Mrs. J and her little terrier dog are constant companions. She and the dog live alone in her small apartment.

This Christmas, Mrs. J is planning a celebration for herself and her pet. She has been saving for weeks trying to purchase a Christmas gift for the dog. He needs a new bed.

Mrs. J has diabetes and hypertension. The little dog is now ill also and must have a special diet, which Mrs. J really cannot afford.

She does sometimes purchase the dog food instead of buying her own groceries.

But Mrs. J expects no presents for herself. There is no one to remember her on the holiday, except through Christmas for the Elderly.

A Christmas surprise would make Mrs. J very happy.

She admires the "young people" wearing blue jeans. She would like to try a pair with an elastic waist, size 22 women. She also needs a new all-weather coat, size 22 and anew cotton gown and house coat, size 44, or extra large.

Mrs. J gets plenty of exercise. She walks everywhere she must go. She doesn't drive and doesn't feel she can afford to spend money to purchase taxi coupons. However, the cold weather this winter is making Mrs. J think twice about foot travel.

A cash donation to purchase taxi coupons would give Mrs. J a break from the weather as she goes to the doctor or to buy groceries.

She would also enjoy a fruit basket.

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 Friday.

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.