DESPITE AGE, WOMAN REFUSES TO GIVE UP HER INDEPENDENCE

Mrs. D is determined to remain independent no matter what it takes.

She's a bit of a maverick, standing up to the tough kids who live in her neighborhood and taking care of herself.

But as Mrs. D gets older, her health is deteriorating. She has diabetes and cataracts.

But she refuses to leave her home and give up the independence she still has.

Her son lives in another state and rarely visits. He will send a Christmas card and will call his mother this holiday, but Mrs. D will be alone except for her pets.

She has two cats and a new terrier friend. Mrs. D is thrilled with her new dog and would adore a sweater for the little dog, which weighs six or seven pounds. Cat food, both canned and dry, and cat litter also would come in handy for Mrs. D.

Mrs. D would enjoy a new flannel gown, long, size 14, in blue or pink. She also confessed a need for new rayon panties, size 7 briefs.

Since she is a diabetic, a fruit basket would be a healthy gifts for Mrs. D. Also a gift certificate for groceries or contribution to help with her medication bill would be appreciated.

Mrs. D would never admit she feels a little lonely, but this Christmas a few gifts would cheer her up and help her maintain her precious independence.

Christmas for the Elderly is a project of the Cape Girardeau Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Gifts may be brought to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Gifts may also be delivered to the health department, 1121 Linden, after 10 a.m. weekdays. Organizers ask that fruit baskets not be delivered until Dec. 16.

Contributions may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0699.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.