Mrs. V wants purple robe for Christmas

Mrs. V. lives alone and suffers from some serious health ailments related to diabetes.

She would like a new purple robe in size 16 as a Christmas gift. She could also use a new short coat in black or gift certificates.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community.

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

One woman would like a new blanket in red or green for her full-size bed. She also would like some chocolate candies.

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to 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 newspaper will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices. The gifts should be donated by Thursday for delivery before Christmas.

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