ELDERLY BROTHER, SISTER ASK LITTLE FOR CHRISTMAS

Thanks to 82-year-old Mr. K's older sister, Mr. K is not homeless. She took him in and provided a home for her brother when he had no where else to turn.

Mr. K suffers from severe ulcers on his feet and cannot walk very well. He uses a walker to help him get around. Mr. K is also blind in one eye.

Mr. K has a learning disability. He worked at a sheltered workshop for many years.

He now lives with his sister in her small country home.

Two outdoor cats, Blackie and Blue, provide Mr. K with a lot of entertainment. Since he can't get around very easily, Mr. K sits outside during the summer and watches the cats' antics.

Costs of Mr. K's medical expenses are very high. He was recently in the hospital for several days and is still taking medication. Those costs have stripped all the savings the two had.

Christmas looks bleak for the two. They have no money to purchase Christmas gifts. Each month is a struggle to pay for medication and groceries.

A cash donation to purchase gauze and other supplies to dress Mr. K's foot ulcers would be appreciated. Of course, they could also use gift certificates for groceries and other house hold items.

Mr. K would enjoy a new flannel shirt, size XXL.

His sister does a lot of vegetable canning in order to save money, but she also enjoys growing the vegetables. Canning supplies would make a nice Christmas gift for her. She would also enjoy a subscription to a new magazine which could be delivered to her home.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper as a way to bring a little holiday cheer to needy, elderly residents.

Organizers ask that gifts be given by Friday, if possible.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office, 301 Broadway, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Gifts may also be delivered to the health department, 1121 Linden, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Checks may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

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