Meals gift certificate makes ideal gift

Mr. J. lives by himself now that his wife has been moved to a nursing home. His daughter lives nearby, which helps ease his loneliness, but his health isn't getting any better.

Mr. J. suffers from emphysema and must have continuous oxygen.

He would like to have noon meals delivered by the Senior Center but can't pay for them. A gift certificate or donation on his behalf would make an ideal Christmas gift.

Christmas for the Elderly provides gifts to senior citizens during the holiday season. The program is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to the many Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Fruit baskets, stamps or gift certificates at discount and grocery stores also would be helpful.

Recipients are referred to the program by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Hoover Eldercare Center and the Missouri Division of Senior Services.

Dish towels, washcloths, towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists this year. Sweat suits, slippers and bath robes make good gifts.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper is collecting gifts at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices. 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.