DONATIONS MEAN MUCH FOR ELDERLY

Mrs. M is a diabetic with heart disease and vision problems, but the lady has a talent her illnesses have not been able to take away from her.

She plays the spoons.

She enjoys performing for others, and she has a quick smile and a ready laugh that she also likes to share.

Unfortunately, she doesn't have many visitors, so her audience usually consists of her visiting nurse and her dog.

Mrs. M doesn't leave home often, so she would like to have a long flannel nightgown and housecoat, and comfortable sweatsuits, size extra large, to wear around the house. She would also like size 38 waist elastic blue jeans, white anklets size 8-10, and a dark green cardigan sweater to wear when visitors do stop by for holiday visits. She would appreciate a coffeemaker and tea kettle so she can serve refreshments to these guests.

Mrs. M's Christmas list also includes postage stamps, a black billfold and large black purse, two chrome kitchen chairs, and food for herself and her pet.

Christmas for the Elderly works to provide people with special requests that many people take for granted. Food, cab coupons, toiletries, simple paper products and money for medications are just a few of the donations that would make an elderly person's entire year easier.

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 the Cape Girardeau County Health Center through Dec. 13.

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.