MEDICAL BILLS DEVASTATE ELDERLY COUPLE

Mr. I has been sick for the past 10 years with a debilitative, progressive illness, which has devastated his financial situation.

He must see a specialist out of town and often doesn't have the money to get there.

Mr. I has sold his television set and his tools to raise money.

Mr. I's wife did have a job, but she can no longer work. She must take care of him.

Their children live away from home and are financially unable to help.

Mr. I has been unable to get medical insurance and his medical bills far exceed what Medicare covers.

Each month, Mr. I's medical bills are enormous. A cash donation to help cover those costs would ensure that Mr. I can have the medication he needs.

Because of his illness, Mr. I is having trouble walking. He needs a pair of special shoes. A cash donation to help him purchase these new shoes would be appreciated.

He also needs a new pair of flannel pajamas, size large.

The couple is in desperate need of basic food items, like canned corn, green beans and potatoes. Also gift certificates for groceries would be a welcome relief in their daily struggle.

They have no money for extras, but Mr. I would like his wife to have a Christmas gift. She works very hard taking care of him. He would like for her to have a new blouse, size 40 extra large.

Mr. I has a pet dog who brings him lots of companionship. But buying food for the animal has become a hardship. A donation of dog food would help Mr. I keep his dog.

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.