Mr. H and his son have more in common than either would have imagined.

Not only are they both proud, family oriented people, both are on dialysis and both have severe diabetes.

The two do their best to take care of each other.

Mr. H, in his late 80s, is a double-leg amputee. His son has difficult maintaining weight. Both men are in and out of the hospital frequently and also must make regular trips for dialysis treatment. Neither one can drive.

His medical problems and subsequent financial problems have made Mr. H very depressed. The holiday season, instead of bringing him joy, is making him feel even worse.

He has no money to purchase his son a present. No money for holiday decorations and no money for a Christmas meal.

But through Christmas for the Elderly, Mr. H could receive a special holiday greeting from the community and also some practical gifts he can really use.

Lap robes and blankets are a necessity in Mr. H's household. Both men often feel chilled as a result of their illnesses.

Mr. H wears sweat pants, size medium, almost like a uniform. The pants are comfortable and easy to pull on and off. But he needs a new pair. He would also enjoy a new winter shirt.

Mr. H's son needs a new winter coat, size 34-36, and new pants, size 28 waist and 28 inseam.

They both need underwear.

Since they both utilize city taxis to travel for medical treatment, a donation toward taxi coupons would be helpful. They would also appreciate a gift certificate for groceries.

Mr. H loves baseball-style caps. A gift of a new winter hat, size 8, would be a great Christmas treat for him.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint project of the Cape Girardeau Health Department and the Southeast Missourian newspaper as a way to bring a little holiday cheer to needy, elderly residents.

Organizers ask that gifts be given by Dec. 13.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian office, 301 Broadway, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Gifts may also be delivered to the health department, 1121 Linden, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Checks may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

For more information, call Kim McDowell at 335-6611.