Many of the people referred to the Christmas for the Elderly program haven't made major gift requests but would like simple items like a fruit basket or gift certificate.
Christmas for the Elderly is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides gifts to the community's senior citizens in need.
One woman, 80, wants a blue or pink sweatshirt in size extra-large. Another woman who lives with her daughter and has fairly good health wants a cheesecake or ham. Yet another woman who has few health concerns wants slacks in size 10 petite in any color.
Gift certificates to discount stores and pharmacies are often requested since many senior citizens' only income is Social Security or small pension checks.
Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Fruit baskets, stamps or gift certificates at grocery stores also would be helpful.
Dish towels, washcloths, towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists this year. Other necessities are sweatsuits in a variety of sizes and colors. Slippers and bath robes make good gifts.
The Southeast Missourian newspaper will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices. The gifts should be donated by mid-December for delivery before Christmas.
Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.
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