TOYBOX, CHRISTMAS FOR THE ELDERLY: ELDERLY PAIR HAVE EACH OTHER BUT NEED HELP

Mr. and Ms. F are related and take care of each other. They live in an older home that needs many repairs, and they often have trouble paying household bills.

Both are diabetic, and Mr. F also has hypertension. They are the only family they have.

Mr. and Ms. F often have trouble paying for their medications, so they would appreciate help with their pharmacy bill.

Mr. F would like a soft leather penny loafer size 10 1/2D for Christmas. Ms. F would like a beige or red pantsuit size 20 1/2. She would also like a microwave to help with meal preparations, since neither she nor Mr. F get around very well.

Christmas for the Elderly works to provide people with special requests that many take for granted, including food, clothing and money for medications. The program is in its 12th year and is co-sponsored by Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian or area locations through Dec. 13. Drop off points are at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantil Bank, Union Planter Bank, The First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

Cash contributions, cab coupons, paper products and grocery store gift certificates are always needed and may help elderly people all year long.

Contributions may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699.