MRS A IS PROUD BUT COULD USE HELP

Mrs. A is a proud woman who still abides by the standards that marked her upbringing in the early 1900s.

She was taught to pay her bills on time and never borrow beyond her means.

Unfortunately Mrs. A, 86, has such limited income from social security, she often has to go without food in order to pay for medicine. She is battling hypertension, arthritis and the onset of congestive heart failure.

She won't ask for extended credit, even if it means chipping away at her hospital bill $5 at a time.

Thanks to projects like Christmas for the Elderly, however, people like Mrs. A are given the opportunity to compile a wish list for the holidays to bring some comfort into an otherwise difficult life.

For the 10th consecutive year, individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups will purchase items for less fortunate senior citizens like Mrs. A.

The program is co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Mrs. A could use some help paying the balance on her bill at St. Francis Medical Center. A gift certificate from John's Pharmacy would be another way to relieve some of the burden of Mrs. A's medical expenses.

A trip to the podiatrist for a toenail trim would be considered a luxury. A gift certificate for such a luxury would be a gift Mrs. A, who spent much of her life working as a housekeeper and nanny, would appreciate.

There is no one from her family living in Cape Girardeau and she has no children, so Mrs. A must rely on transportation from senior citizen services to get to church. Taxi coupons could help her get to church or various places throughout town.

She could also use a fruit basket or canned goods for Christmas.

Her wish list includes pillow slips and sheets for a queen-size bed. She could also use hand towels, bath towels and washcloths. She prefers all of those items in white.

A devout churchgoer, Mrs. A would appreciate a tape recorder and tapes on the Bible. She also likes to read. A newspaper subscription would be a Christmas gift that would be appreciated.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or the Health Department at 1121 Linden.

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.