Dozens of ways to make a difference for seniors

As people cross names off their shopping list this holiday season, the area's elderly are hoping just to be remembered.

Christmas for the Elderly provides gifts and necessities to the area's needy senior citizens during the Christmas holiday season. It is a joint program of the Southeast Missourian and Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

Clients for the program are referred by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Hoover Eldercare Center at Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Division of Senior Services.

Many of the clients have made only one request for household goods or toiletries. But there are dozens of other ways you can help make a difference.

Since the program operates only during the Christmas season, it must use the donations throughout the year to supplement its clients as needed. Many of the paper products and toiletries are given out during the year because the elderly simply cannot afford those things with their limited income.

Many cannot afford to buy household cleaners and paper goods and medicine. So pharmacy gift certificates, and gift certificates to discount stores are greatly appreciated.

Other requested items include paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue and cleaning supplies, bath towels, robes and slippers, dish towels and cloths, sheet sets, extra blankets, sweat suits and undergarments.

Requests also have been made for fruit baskets, stamps and pet foods.

Gifts can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

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