Mrs. L. is often in chronic pain from arthritis and complications from diabetes.
She lives alone, although her son often goes by to check on her and offer transportation when she needs it. At 74, Mrs. L. is living off Social Security payments and Medicaid.
Christmas will be small without gifts from Christmas for the Elderly, a program that helps the community's needy senior citizens.
Mrs. L. would like a sweat suit in size large, a pair of pants in size 18 petite, and a pants suit with matching shirt and underwear.
She'd like paper goods for her household and gift certificates to Country Mart and Young's Thriftway pharmacy.
Gifts like toiletry items, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, soap and pet foods are needed to distribute to many Christmas for the Elderly 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. Slippers and bath robes make good gifts.
The Southeast Missourian newspaper will collect gifts 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.
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