Cape Girardeau Jaycees Christmas for the Elderly program to serve over 100 seniors

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Tracy Haggerty is the chairperson for the Cape Girardeau Jaycees’ Christmas for the Elderly program, which provides necessities to low-income seniors in the community. 

“We basically give them things like toiletries, cleaning supplies, warm clothing, bedding,” Haggerty said. “Those things that we kind of take for granted are things that we can provide them during the holiday season.” 

Haggerty said the Jaycees are serving 108 seniors this year, which is 32 more than last year. 

“I think that’s just a testament to the cost of living and how that has risen for everyone, but it hits our senior citizens particularly hard,” she said.

Nick Steimle has been a Jaycee for over 10 years and is heavily involved in Christmas for the Elderly and Toy Box. 

“When you know there’s somebody out there that maybe doesn’t maybe have what you have, especially this time of year, and it can be a very sad time for some people,” he said. “Maybe they’re not even warm. Food insecurity and warmth are things we take for granted, so when you are giving somebody that opportunity to have what they need for the holiday season, I think it’s a very rewarding thing.” 

And Haggerty said she cherishes the opportunity to make a difference in these people’s lives. 

“They’re asking for the things we all take for granted, so I just appreciate so much that the community just shows us for it, too,” she said. “I get to be their voice, and that’s such an honor to be able to do that for these individuals.” 

The Jaycees are accepting donations in the form of cash or gift cards as opposed to physical items.