An elderly woman refuses to let her impoverished circumstances dampen her spirits. Each day, she fixes her hair, dresses up in hose and heels and prepares to tackle what lies ahead.

Another elderly woman, who spent much of her life caring for others as a foster mother, looks for help as illness saps her strength and resources.

Although his body is racked with disease, an elderly man is determined to remain independent. A little help from neighbors he doesn't even know can make the difference this holiday.

These a three of a dozen people who will be featured in this year's Christmas for the Elderly. They face the last years of their lives in declining health, some in financial trouble and many all alone.

Christmas for the Elderly is an annual program of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper.

Through the donations of people in the community, these elderly people and dozens more will receive a helping hand and a chance to retain some dignity and independence. In addition, a few simple gifts help brighten their Christmas and their spirits.

"This project has grown into a very grand effort in the community and surrounding communities to help others," said Charlotte Craig, director of the health department.

Each year, the Christmas requests for each elderly person have been filled.

"We like to think of this as kind of like a wish-book for things they need on the practical side and also happy things," Craig said.

On the wish list for the elderly are fruit baskets, paper goods, canned foods, soaps and other household items. Sweat suits and other warm clothing are also needed by many elderly.

"We ask people to pretend this was their mom or dad or uncle," Craig said. "Maybe they can think of some happy things besides a pair of slippers and talcum powder."

In addition to the gifts given at Christmas, the program traditionally has generated such a generous response that funds have been available throughout the year.

"Often it's medication that can't be afforded," Craig said. "Sometimes it's transportation. Sometimes a 75-year-old person needs a pet for companionship. We help make arrangements for adoption from the Humane Society."

The newspaper and the health department work with other agencies and organizations that serve the elderly to identify individuals in need.

The names of the elderly people featured in the newspaper are confidential.

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, 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.