ELDERLY MAN WHO HAS DIABETES COULD USE GIFTS OF HEALTHY FOOD

When Mr. B's wife died of complications from diabetes, he swore he'd do everything he could to take care of himself. Mr. B is a diabetic too.

He tries very hard to stick to the special diet spelled out by his doctor, cooking specially-prescribed meals. But often finances get in the way and Mr. B can't always afford the nutritious food he knows he should eat.

He loves fresh fruits, which are near the top of his special diet, but often feels he shouldn't spend so much. He also likes to use Equal brand sweetener, but can't always afford it.

A gift of a box of "Equal" and a fruit basket would make Mr. B very happy this holiday. A gift certificate for groceries or canned foods also would help Mr. B stick to his diet.

Now that his wife is dead, he lives alone in a small rental home. But he tries to keep busy so he doesn't feel too lonely.

Mr. B loves country western music. He listens to the radio or cassette tapes from the time he gets up in the morning until he goes to sleep. The music helps keep him company.

A Christmas gift of country western cassette tapes would be perfect for Mr. B. He's not particular about the artists as long as it's country.

Since his wife died, Mr. B doesn't spend much time on his wardrobe. He wears bib overalls every day, but could use a new pair, size 42 waist, 30 length.

Mr. B is also in desperate need of new underclothes: boxer shorts, waist size 42; short sleeve T-shirts with pockets, shirt size 16; and white socks, size 11-13.

He also needs new washcloths and can always use shaving cream, disposable razors, soap and lotion.

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

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.