MRS. A WOULD ENJOY A BIBLE

Although Mrs. A is alone most of the time, she takes great comfort in her religion.

She lives alone in an older mobile home in the country. Her daughter visits rarely. Mrs. A has arthritis, diabetes and suffered a stroke in 1989 that affected her ability to get around.

Her only outings are trips to doctors' appointments. Christmas likely will be spent alone.

But Mrs. A keeps up her spirits by reading the Bible every day. Her illnesses have affected her eyesight, though, making her daily devotional difficult.

Topping her Christmas wish list is a large-print Bible. Cassette tapes of the Bible would also make a nice gift.

Mrs. A has no income except a small Social Security check. She spends almost all of her money on medical needs and food.

She almost never buys new things for herself.

Mrs. A would enjoy a pretty new sweater, size 46, a sweat suit, size XXL, and a house dress that opens in the front, size 26W.

She needs a new can opener and would like one with a knife sharpener on it. She would also like a rechargeable flashlight and a standard size blanket for her bed.

Since she is a diabetic, a fruit basket makes a particularly fitting gift for Mrs. A.

Also Gold Bond powder, Pink Dove bar soap, Vaseline Intensive Care lotion, facial tissues, toilet paper or paper towels are always needed.

Mrs. A's hobby is search-and-circle word puzzles. She would enjoy a book of these puzzles.

At Christmas time, Mrs. A often fights depression, but a gift during the holidays will make Mrs. A's lonely celebration a little brighter.

Gift certificates for groceries and canned food make especially good gifts for any of the elderly people featured.

Gifts may be brought to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Gifts may also be delivered to the health department, 1121 Linden, after 10 a.m. weekdays. Organizers ask that fruit baskets not be delivered until Dec. 16.

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