Mrs. B. could use gift certificates

Mrs. B has no family nearby and spends her time in the company of her two dogs.

Hers is one of several cases that will be featured during the coming weeks as part of Christmas for the Elderly. It is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community.

Mrs. B's animals are her constant companions and she worries about them often.

She has a limited income after paying her mounting medical bills. She recently had a stroke and is working to regain her strength.

She would like any sort of Christmas gift since she usually gets so little.

Some of her wish-list items include grocery and discount store certificates and gift certificates to a pharmacy.

She also would like some dishwashing soap, laundry detergent and paper goods. She has requested the Chocolate Royale Slimfast drinks.

Since Mrs. B has limited resources, she cannot purchase these items herself.

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center refer clients to the Christmas for the Elderly, which relies on donations.

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

Dish towels, washcloths, towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists this year. Other necessities are sweat suits in a variety of sizes and colors. Slippers and bath robes make good gifts.

The Southeast Missourian will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.