Elderly couple needs household items, clothes

Mr. and Mrs. E have been married for 58 years, and times are getting tough.

Both have health problems. Mr. E is wheelchair-bound after a stroke. He cannot use his lower body but still can communicate. Mrs. D is diabetic and has congestive heart failure.

The couple wants to stay in their own home as long as they can, but they have no living children to care for them. Their house is where they've lived together all their married life.

The couple does have an older dog and a cat as companions.

Items donated to Christmas for the Elderly will help them throughout the year. The program is organized by the Southeast Missourian and Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center refer clients to the program.

Mr. and Mrs. E. would like towels, wash cloths and dish towels for their home. They also could use paper goods and toiletries as well as cleaning supplies.

Both have asked for sweatshirts and sweat pants in sizes XXL and XL. They would also like robes, pajamas and slippers. Mr. E wears an 11 or 12 size shoe; Mrs. E wears a 9 or 10.

Fruit baskets, stamps or gift certificates at discount and grocery stores also would be helpful for many of the program's recipients.

The Southeast Missourian will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices.

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