Mrs. C could use fruit baskets, dog food

Mrs. C is 81 years old, lives alone and has few visitors.

She has some serious health problems that require medication.

She has had three heart attacks and suffered from cancer. She also has osteoporosis and is prone to falling.

She would like some simple gifts for Christmas and likely will receive them through Christmas for the Elderly, a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

The program provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community through donations. The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center refer clients to the program.

Mrs. C would like gift certificates to discount and grocery stores to help pay for some items she cannot afford. She also needs paper towels, toilet tissues and cleaning supplies for her home.

She has a small dog and could use canned dog food in chicken flavors.

Fruit baskets also would make good gifts, though she cannot eat grapefruit.

Christmas for the Elderly has received requests for sweat suits, blankets, an electric heater and laundry detergents. Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Stamps also would be helpful.

Dish towels, washcloths, towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists this year. 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.