Christmas for Elderly deadline is Thursday

Mrs. X. lives in her own home but has only to care for her two pet dogs. She has some health problems but nothing serious.

She would like a fruit basket or gift certificate for Christmas.

Christmas for the Elderly is a joint program of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and the Southeast Missourian that provides holiday gifts to needy senior citizens in the community.

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Missouri Division of Senior Services and Hoover Eldercare Center refer clients to the program, which relies on donations.

Another woman who will receive gifts through the Christmas for the Elderly program would like new pillows for her bed. One man wants quilted men's overalls in size 3 extra-large.

Christmas for the Elderly has received requests for a white sweater in a women's size medium, a rain coat and short coat, both in size 3 extra-large.

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.

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 will collect gifts for Christmas for the Elderly at its Cape Girardeau and Jackson offices. The gifts should be donated by Thursday for delivery before Christmas.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to Christmas for the Elderly, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0004.