MRS. G PUTS ON BRAVE FACE, BUT NEEDS HELP

Mrs. G puts on a brave front. She doesn't want her neighbors and friends to worry. But the truth is Mrs. G's life is anything but easy.

As a child, she suffered a debilitating disease which has resurfaced. She tires easily and has trouble walking. The disease is progressing and Mrs. G's health will only get worse.

Her husband too suffers a chronic illness and has been unable to work for some time.

Mrs. G and her husband have four children. A teenage daughter still lives at home. She is a honor student and works part time to earn money for her family. The other children are not financially able to help their parents.

Each day is a struggle for Mrs. G, but the financial worries are taking a toll. She never has enough money to buy the things the family needs -- prescription drugs and food. Money for new clothes never makes its way into the budget.

While her needs are great, Mrs. G has one special Christmas wish. She would like a new blazer-style coat, navy blue or red, size 14, to wear to her doctor's appointments.

She would also appreciate a gift certificate for a hair permanent.

Mrs. G could use a new quad-cane to help her walk. She needs new standard size flannel sheets and pillowcases. Toiletries like soap, shampoo, powder, lotion, toilet paper all have become luxuries for Mrs. G's family. Donations of any of these items would help. A gift certificate or canned foods would also be a welcome gift.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint project of the Southeast Missourian newspaper and the Cape Girardeau County Health Department.

Gifts may be delivered to the Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, or the Health Department, 1121 Linden.

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

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