MRS. C WANTS TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT

At age 86, Mrs. C is determined to remain independent and in her own home.

Mrs. C owns an immaculate little house. While the neighborhood has become somewhat run down, Mrs. C prides herself in keeping her home tidy. Over the past year she has had several break-ins. But thieves find little to steal.

Mrs. C suffers from hypertension and arthritis. The medications are expensive. Some months, Mrs. C cuts short the groceries she buys in order to pay her prescription drug bill.

She doesn't buy new things, choosing instead to make do with what she has. Mrs. C is an expert at mending and repairing items.

But, the curtains in her kitchen, after years of use, hundreds of launderings and many repairs, are worn out.

The best Christmas gift for Mrs. C would be new kitchen curtains in white and blue or light blue. She would like a swag with a curtain to fit a window 28 inches across and 31 inches long.

She would also like a new white slip, size 38, and white or beige nylon panties, size 9.

A gift certificate to help her purchase groceries or pay her pharmacy bill would also be a welcome gift.

Mrs. C has a penchant for pretty knick knacks, but she never buys such frivolities for herself. She would adore a little Christmas decoration to brighten her home.

Mrs. C doesn't complain about her circumstances; she doesn't ask for help. In fact, she spends hours each week helping other people through her church, thankful for what she has.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint project of the Southeast Missourian newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

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