ELDERLY MAN COULD USE RAZOR, AFTERSHAVE

The holidays are not a happy time for Mr. O. It has been three years since his wife died, but he has not been able to end his grieving, and the holidays only add to his depression.

This is not good for his health because his depression raises his blood pressure, and when his spirits are down, he does not take his medicine correctly.

Mr. O needs help with hygiene and housekeeping skills, but he often refuses assistance. He is a very independent man and does not want to accept the fact that critical health conditions make help necessary.

An electric razor and aftershave are two items Mr. O said he would like to receive for Christmas. He also said he would accept a nice wrist watch. He enjoys eating out, so restaurant gift certificates would make a nice gift, as well.

Mr. O needs pants, size 40/34, shirts size 16 1/2, socks, and a light-weight jacket. He prefers darker colors, but any color is fine.

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 Friday.

Cash contributions, cab coupons, paper products and grocery store gift certificates are always needed and may help elderly people throughout the year.

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