HOLIDAYS OFFER LITTLE COMFORT TO ELDERLY MAN CONFINED AT HOME

Once the weather turns cold, Mr. G is confined by health problems to his home.

He suffers from both emphysema and asthma. Winter weather wreaks havoc on his breathing.

Mr. G lives alone in his small home, which he bought when he returned from the Korean War. His wife died a few years ago. They had no children. Holidays are very lonely for Mr. G. No Christmas gifts, no Christmas cards, no telephone calls with seasons greetings.

Mr. G's eyesight is poor and long winter evenings seem even longer now that he cannot read. He would really enjoy religious or Bible tapes to listen to.

A proud veteran, Mr. G doesn't like to ask for help. But the expenses of his illnesses are catching up with him.

Mr. G tries to keep up his home, but repairs cost money. Slowly it has begun to deteriorate.

He takes numerous medications, especially in the winter. The cost of these prescriptions uses much of his meager income. A cash donation toward those medication costs would be appreciated.

Mr. G often skimps on groceries to save money. Donations of canned goods or gift certificates for groceries would ease his financial burden.

A special surprise for Mr. G would be some new clothes. He hasn't purchased anything for himself since his wife died. He could also use a new flannel shirt, size medium, and a comfortable sweat suit, size large.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper as a way to bring a little holiday cheer to needy, elderly residents.

Organizers ask that gifts be given by Dec. 13.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office, 301 Broadway, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Gifts may also be delivered to the health department, 1121 Linden, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Checks may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.