TOYBOX, ELDERLY DRIVES NEED YOUR HELP; CHIRSTMAS FOR THE ELDERLY REQUESTS REMAIN UNFILLED

As you head out shopping this weekend, please add an elderly person to your Christmas list.

For each elderly person featured in the newspaper, many more are in need this holiday season. Often the gifts needed are small but would mean a great deal to the recipients.

A woman needs a new electric heater for her small home. She is using an old kerosene heater and can no longer afford to purchase kerosene.

Another woman would like a twin-sized electric blanket to keep her warm on cold nights.

Another woman would appreciate a bath chair so she can more safely care for herself. She also needs gloves and a warm hat.

Another elderly woman would like new bath towels and wash clothes. After years of use, hers have worn out. She also needs new kitchen towels and dish cloths.

Another woman would appreciate new socks, slouch socks without elastic tops. She also would like a jogging suit, size large.

An elderly man would like a cassette player and an assortment of books on tape. His eyesight is failing, but he loves books.

Two men would like a microwave, which would allow easy heating of meals and permit them to remain independent longer.

Several elderly people would appreciate donation of Attends or Depends. Canned goods, paper products and cleaning supplies are also appreciated.

Postage stamps and envelopes make a practical gift. A fruit basket also is practical, yet festive.

Christmas for the Elderly is an annual program of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian. The program is in need of gifts and other donations.

Organizers ask that gifts and donations be given before Dec. 15 to ensure delivery to the elderly recipients by Christmas.

Gifts may be delivered to the County Health Center, 1121 Linden, or the newspaper office at 301 Broadway. Contributions may also be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, c/o Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.

Additional information is available from Kim McDowell at 335-6611, ext. 101.