No shortage of needs for campaign

Child with cerebral palsy would like learning toys

Learning about colors, shapes and the alphabet is Tammy's hope for her 5-year-old daughter, Mindy. With cerebral palsy Mindy's motor skills are a little behind, somewhere in the 2 to 3 1/2 year old range. Learning development is slow as well. Mindy's favorite character is Dora the Explorer and she enjoys watching Sesame Street. Sound books that encourage and stimulate learning are available in just about any character appealing to children in the 3 and up age range. DVDs or videos are other suggestions that would help Mindy to develop her skills. See and Say is another toy suitable for Mindy that would make her especially happy since the one she had broke. Her mother said that music captures her attention. If Tammy could see Mindy's wishes come true, Christmas would be a happy occasion.

Coat, household items would aid senior woman

Her trailer is sometimes heated with gas but when Ms. I runs out of money she uses the electric heater. It doesn't solve the problem of frozen pipes, leaving her without running water in the winter.

The monthly stipend of $545 that Ms. I receives must meet all her needs, including rent.

At 75, Ms. I wishes for Christmas presents like a warm XL-coat, sweatsuits and underclothing. With degenerative disc disease and diabetes, multiple mental health diagnoses only add to her daily struggle. Socks for a woman who wears a shoe size 8 would make the cold floors a little warmer and blankets and linens for a full-size bed could make her Christmas dreams come true.

A gift certificate to Wal-Mart would help to feed her cats and dogs and purchase necessary household goods.

Donations can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian offices. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.