DONATIONS HELP CLOSE INCOME GAP FOR ELDERLY

Mrs. G is a widow living alone. She is hard of hearing, and the arthritis in her knees is so bad she cannot stand long enough to do anything for herself.

She lives in a small one-bedroom apartment in senior housing. Her rent is subsidized.

She has a sister who tries to take care of some of her needs, but she has a son she hasn't seen in years because he lives out of state.

A small pension helps supplement her Social Security, but as with many, it still is not enough.

Mrs. G needs clothes that are easily wearable. Size extra-large sweat suits would keep her warm and be easy to pull over her bad knees. She also needs a dark-colored winter robe, size 2x, and she would like good walking shoes size 9 1/2, and a lightweight jacket.

For Christmas, Mrs. G would love to receive full sheets, washcloths, a small bedroom lamp and a table lamp for her living room.

Christmas for the Elderly works to provide people with special requests that many people take for granted, including food, clothing and money for medications. The program is in its 12th year and is co-sponsored by Cape Girardeau County Health Services and the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian or area locations through Dec. 13. Drop off points are located at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantile Bank, Union Planter Bank, The First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

Cash contributions, cab coupons, paper products and grocery store gift certificates are always needed and may help elderly people all year long.

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