MRS. E. LOOKS FORWARD TO CELEBRATION

When nurses from the health department delivered a small bundle of gifts to Mrs. E last year, she invited them in to sit down for a few minutes while she opened the packages -- a sweatshirt, some canned goods and a fruit basket.

It turns out the impromptu Christmas party was Mrs. E's only holiday celebration; the gifts from Christmas for the Elderly her only remembrances during the season.

Mrs. E is back on the Christmas for the Elderly list this year and again it will be her only holiday celebration.

She has such a hard life. Now, in her 80s, her life hasn't gotten any easier. She is a widow and her only income is Social Security. She rents a small home where she lives with her little terrier dog. She has diabetes and cataracts.

Mrs. E's wish list includes a book of stamps, Efferdent and canned fruit. That's all.

The nurses who help her report that she really needs a new set of full-sized flannel sheets, elastic waist blue jeans, size 36, and Fit 'N Trim dog food for her companion.

A special treat for her would be a new watch with big numbers and a stretch band so she could read it and get in on and off her wrist easily. She would also enjoy a bottle of spray cologne.

Mrs. E, like all the individuals involved in Christmas for the Elderly, cannot afford to purchase many of the items like toilet paper, soap, lotion, powder, paper towels. These items make practical gifts.

Fruit baskets make more festive gifts and also provided needed items.

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.