Woman, 78, would appreciate basics

Mrs. R. lives alone in subsidized housing. Her only supplemental health coverage comes through Medicaid and Medicare programs.

At 78, her circulation is poor, and she has hypertension and breathing problems.

She would like some gifts for Christmas, but will rely on Christmas for the Elderly to provide them.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to senior citizens in the community.

Mrs. R. would like towels, washcloths and full-size sheets, all in pink. She also needs a large skillet and pot for boiling, paper goods, silverware and blouses in size 3X; she would prefer them in white or purple.

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

Gifts like paper goods and toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to Christmas for the Elderly recipients. Fruit baskets, stamps or gift certificates at discount and grocery stores also would be helpful.

Dish towels and cleaning supplies are at the top of many seniors' lists this year. Other necessities are sweatsuits in a variety of sizes and colors. Slippers and bath robes make good gifts.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper is collecting gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices. The gifts should be donated by Thursday for delivery before Christmas.

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