Mrs. N. needs bedding, towels and dress

Mrs. N. has been living alone for nine years now that her husband died. A son lives out of town and offers little support because he has health problems of his own.

Mrs. N. uses a walker to get around her house and must receive oxygen to help her breathe.

There are many gifts she could use this holiday. With donations to Christmas for the Elderly, Mrs. N. and many other senior citizens like her will receive gifts.

The program is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian. Referrals are made by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Hoover Eldercare Center and Missouri Division of Senior Services.

Mrs. N. needs full-size bedding, preferably in pink or blue. She also needs towels in the same colors. She would like a dress in size 16 in pink, blue or yellow. She also needs a long-sleeved white blouse and underwear and socks, both in size 10.

She also could use paper goods for her house.

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, 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.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices. The gifts should be donated by mid-December.

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