One needs simple gifts; another needs robe

Miss O. rents an apartment but lives on a tight budget. There is little extra money available.

She is diabetic and must pay for medication. She also takes dialysis treatment and is rather frail. She would like simple things for Christmas: gifts of food and gift certificates to discount stores.

Another woman, Miss P., who visits the Hoover Eldercare Center would like a long robe in size 20, preferably in white. She also could use gift certificates.

Christmas for the Elderly provides gifts and needed household items to senior citizens who couldn't afford the items on their own. It is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

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

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to 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 and slippers.

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 mid-December.

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