92-year-old woman has simple request

At age 92, Mrs. E is becoming more frail and now faces greater health problems.

Living with her daughter and son-in-law helps assure that she's taken care of, but there are some things she'd like for the holidays.

Mrs. E would love to receive a nice white blouse in a size 14 petite. She could also use gift certificates to discount stores and some food basket items.

With the help of Christmas for the Elderly, a program organized by the Southeast Missourian and Cape Girardeau Jaycees, Cape Girardeau's senior citizens will receive gifts at the holidays.

The recipients are referred by the Hoover Eldercare Center, the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center and the Missouri Division of Senior Services.

Gifts like paper goods and 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. Many need sugar-free items.

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 make good gifts.

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.