Elderly woman needs household items, clothing

The holidays are the time when many people remember those who are in need or without family.

Mrs. A would like to be so remembered. She has no children and a nephew helps take care of her financial matters.

She had past surgeries that wiped out her savings. She lives on very little each month, mostly what she gets through Social Security.

She would like some household items and clothing for the holiday. She has asked for full-size bed sheets and towels, both in blue or white. She also would like a thin, light-colored quilt for her bed.

Household items such as unscented laundry detergents, paper goods like towels, tissues and napkins would also be appreciated.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community.

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

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to all Christmas for the Elderly recipients since many cannot purchase those "extra" items. Fruit baskets, stamps or gift certificates at discount and grocery stores also would be helpful.

Other necessities are sweat suits in a variety of sizes and colors. Slippers and bath robes make good gifts.

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.