AFTER CARING FOR HIS PARENTS, MAN NEEDS A HAND

Mr. H has lost everyone he had for support.

He cared for his parents until their deaths three and five years ago. He also lost the dog he loved and cared for sometimes before caring for himself.

He lives alone in a house located in the flood plain. The house desperately needs repairs.

His monthly income would not house and feed a working 30-year-old for two weeks.

Mr. H is a borderline diabetic who has high blood pressure. he lives off canned goods he gets from his garden, and he often runs out of food before the end of the month.

He is a large man -- size 58 waist -- with a wonderful personality, and he needs clothing, food, cleaning supplies and cab coupons.

He enjoys watching old Westerns and musicals featuring Roy Rogers, Betty Grable, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Christmas for the Elderly works to provide people with special requests that many people take for granted, including food, clothing and money for medications. The program is in its 12th year and is co-sponsored by Cape Girardeau County Health Services and the Southeast Missourian.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian or area locations through Dec. 13. Drop-off points are located at West Park Mall, Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems, Boatmen's Bank, Gulliver's Travel Agency, Mercantile Bank, Union Planter Bank, The First National Bank, Commerce Bank and Sanders True Value Hardware.

Cash contributions, cab coupons, paper products and grocery store gift certificates are always needed and may help elderly people all year long.

Contributions may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699.