ELDERLY COUPLE IN NEED OF BASICS FOR BIT OF CHEER

Mr. and Mrs. C balked at the idea that they should be featured in this year's Christmas for the Elderly program.

"There must be others worse off than us who really need the help," Mr. C protested. Perhaps ... but Mr. and Mrs. C can use a little happiness during this holiday season.

Mr. C takes care of his wife, who is severely crippled with arthritis. She uses a walker and sometimes a wheelchair to get around. He also does the cleaning, the laundry and cooks all their meals.

Their tiny frame home is tidy, but they have no extras. The many medications that Mrs. C takes sap most of their monthly income.

Mr. and Mrs. C have one daughter, who lives miles away. She is battling cancer, taking chemotherapy, and cannot help her parents or even come for a holiday visit.

Sometimes Mr. C gets tired, but it's important to him that he and his wife stay together as long as possible.

Mr. and Mrs. C don't exchange Christmas gifts any more. They don't feel they should spend the little money they have on such extravagances.

Practical gifts would be best for the couple. A gift certificate to help with Mrs. C's medications would be welcome. Also, a gift certificate for groceries would be a good idea.

They need a new twin-size blanket, new wash clothes and towels. Soap, shampoo, lotion, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels all would please the couple.

Mrs. C could use new pajamas and a housecoat with snaps for easy opening, size 24W. Mr. C. could use new pants, size 33 waist and 29 inseam.

A small Christmas tree or other holiday decoration would brighten their home for Christmas.

When Mr. C has a few moments of free time, he loves to work crossword puzzles. A book of the puzzles would be a special treat for him.

Christmas for the Elderly is a project of the Cape Girardeau Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Gifts may be brought to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Gifts may also be delivered to the health department, 1121 Linden, after 10 a.m. weekdays. Organizers ask that fruit baskets not be delivered until Dec. 16.

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

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611 during daytime business hours.