MR. O LOOKS FOR COMFORT IN HOLIDAY SEASON

For years and years, it was Mr. O's job to comfort others as they faced the troubles life sometimes doles out.

Mr. O now faces some troubles of his own.

A retired minister and widower, Mr. O has diabetes, heart disease and is losing his eyesight.

Working all these years at small congregations across the Midwest, Mr. O didn't have an opportunity to save much for his retirement.

His illnesses have drained the small savings he did have. Mr. O lives from month to month.

He never complains and says his faith helps him keep an optimistic outlook.

His holiday wish list is short and practical, typical of Mr. O.

Mr. O would enjoy a sweatsuit, something comfortable and warm, size extra large.

He could also use a gift certificate for groceries or donations of canned goods.

Cleaning supplies and an assortment of paper products -- tissues, paper towels, paper plates, toilet tissue -- would also be welcome gifts.

Mr. O marks the final elderly person featured this year in Christmas for the Elderly, a joint project of the Southeast Missourian newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

Gifts should be delivered by Friday to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or the Health Department, 1121 Linden. The Christmas presents will be delivered next week.

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

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