HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS, MRS. C!

Merry Christmas Mrs. C!

Thursday afternoon Vickie McDowell, a nurse at the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, loaded her truck with boxes and bags of presents for Mrs. C, one of the needy elderly people featured in this year's Christmas for the Elderly.

At Mrs. C's home, McDowell piled gifts into the tiny living room, covering the couch and the floor. Mrs. c was very appreciative but a little overwhelmed.

"I wish I could write to all of them and thank them," she said.

Mrs. C loves Christmas. It's her favorite holiday of the year and no matter what, Mrs. C celebrates. In years past, she celebrated with her pet, a fluffy little dog. But this year the celebration will be a little brighter.

On Thursday, Mrs. C unwrapped a few of the gifts, including a beautiful red sweater. "You know, red is my very favorite color. Not pink or blue. Red," said Mrs. C as she held the sweater up to admire.

She also received a years supply of sugar-free butterscotch candy. It's her favorite, and she likes to give her friends at church a piece of candy as a little thank you for their help. "Now I have enough to share," she said.

Nikki, Mrs. C's dog, got an assortment of doggie gifts, much to the delight of Mrs. C.

"Thank you so much," she said as McDowell left.

The people of Southeast Missouri joined together to make sure each of the elderly people featured in the newspaper has a joyous holiday. All of Christmas wish lists were filled. Monetary donations are still arriving but money should be available in an emergency fund for use during the coming year.

Christmas for the Elderly is a cooperative effort of the Southeast Missourian and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

Donations can be delivered to the County Health Center, 1121 Linden, or to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway.

Donations can also be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0699.

For more information, contact Kim McDowell, who coordinates the program for the Southeast Missourian, at 335-6611.