HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS; WOMAN BEATS ODDS, NOW NEEDS YOUR GENEROSITY

Mrs. B is alive and proving her doctors wrong.

When she was recently discharged from the hospital, doctors didn't expect her to live much longer. She is wheelchair-bound, a brittle diabetic and has one leg in a cast.

She has had a kidney removed but still suffers from kidney disease. She also suffers from hypertension.

Mrs. B is a religious woman, and she enjoys the strong support of her eight children. Although they help her as much as possible, they all live out of state, so consistent care is impossible.

Mrs. B would like Ensure in any flavor. She enjoys smelling good, and would appreciate bubble bath, bath crystals, perfume, or scented lotions or soaps.

She has limited income, so gift certificates for food or money for utilities and other necessities would help her a lot.

She needs house slippers, size 9 or 10, and extra large house dresses or gowns.

Mrs. B would like bath towels, kitchen linens, a cutlery set and craft sets.

Christmas for the Elderly helps provide people with special requests that many take for granted, including food, clothing and money for medications. The program, in its 12th year, is co-sponsored by Cape Girardeau County Health Services and the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian or area locations through Dec. 13. Cash contributions, taxi coupons, paper products and grocery store gift certificates are always needed. They may help elderly people all year long.

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