GENEROUS SUPPORT

Generosity is such a wonderful thing. Thanks to hundreds of generous supporters, children in some 400 needy families in Cape Girardeau received an early visit from Santa Claus. The jolly gent received considerable help with the annual Christmas Toybox project, which is sponsored by the Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian.

Another project was equally blessed by generous donors: Christmas for the Elderly, sponsored by the Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian. Nineteen underprivileged senior citizens were helped this year.

Both programs reach out to those in need at Christmastime. Sometimes the need is due to joblessness or other factors that make it impossible to receive gifts without special help. Sometimes the need is felt by the elderly who are alone and need to be remembered during the holidays.

Members of the Jaycees, employees of the county health department and Kim McDowell, who coordinated the projects for the Southeast Missourian, are benefactors of the projects too. Time after time they are touched by the ability to help when the need is greatest.

Special thanks to everyone who took a moment this holiday season to remember those who are less fortunate.

And to everyone, the best wishes for a merry Christmas.