SICK MAN COULD USE MANY GIFTS OF NECESSIRIES

Mr. J could also be described as Mr. Practical. Over the years he has learned how to stretch a dollar and how to do without luxuries outside his budget.

But as he has aged Mr. J has experienced a string of illnesses. First he had a lung disease followed by heart disease. Now he is losing his hearing and his strength.

The added medical bills have drained Mr. J's life savings. He lives month to month hoping no new expenses come his way.

Mr. J has no family and will celebrate the holidays with his two cats.

But Mr. Practical won't receive any gifts. He won't put up and decorations.

Without Christmas for the Elderly, the holidays might pass him by this year.

Mr. J hasn't bought new clothes for himself in years. After much prodding, Mr. J confided that he would really like a pair of suspenders, a new flannel shirt and a new henley shirt, size medium. He also needs new underwear, boxers size 30-32.

Mr. J also needs new sheets, blankets and a comforter or bedspread for his twin-sized bed. He also needs new towels and wash clothes.

Mr. J would like a couple of cat toys and a scratching post, Christmas gifts for his two cats. He would also appreciate Deli-brand cat food, cat litter, a new litter box and liners for the box.

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

In addition to the individuals featured daily, Christmas for the Elderly provides gifts to a number of elderly individuals who are facing the holidays all alone. One of the best gifts for these people is a fruit basket. It is a practical yet festive gift. Organizers ask that fruit basket donations be delivered to the health department on Monday.

Other gifts and donations should 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.