Disabled widow needs certificates, sheets

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community.

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center refer clients to the program, which relies on donations.

Mrs. J is one of the people who needs some help and holiday cheer this year.

She lives alone in a one-bedroom apartment and has no children. She is a widow.

She has been disabled since birth and now has severe arthritis. She can use a wheelchair and walker to get about, but she must rely on others to drive her to the store or doctor's appointments.

She would like gift certificates to the grocery store and discount stores.

She also would like a new set of sheets for her full-size bed, some new skirts with elastic waistbands, in size small, to wear to the doctor's office, shoes that can slip on, size 8 1/2, a small Crock Pot, some Ensure supplemental drinks, and body wash or soaps.

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to many of the Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Fruit baskets and stamps also would be helpful. Dish towels, washcloths, towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists.

The Southeast Missourian will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.