Simple wishes fulfilled for area's elderly

Many of the area's senior citizens has simple wishes for the holiday that would go unfilled if it weren't for Christmas for the Elderly.

The joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community.

Many of the clients are referred by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center.

Christmas for the Elderly needs supplies of household goods like paper towels, paper plates, napkins and toilet tissue, soaps, shampoos, deodorant, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies to donate to recipients.

Other items that would make good gifts are long underwear in men's size large, socks, blankets, sheet sets and towels, bathrobes and slippers.

Fruit baskets, stamps or gift certificates at discount and grocery stores also would be helpful.

Several clients have requested Attends or Depends pads in a variety of sizes, Ensure drink supplements and diabetic foods or candies.

The Southeast Missourian will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices.

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