Dropdown list - insert into Mysql

[renesis]

Hi all!
This is something probably simple but confuses me.
I simply want to add a dropdown list where, when an option is selected, its value will be inserted into a dbase table. More specifically, asume there is a page where the user sees his order. He will be able to select the order status (pending or delivered). So, for example, if his ordered is deleivered, by selecting "delivered" option, "delivered" will be inserted into the 'Status' column.

I have created a column inside "receipts" table and I need to insert "delivered" or "pending" into that.
My "receipts" table is like:
RECEIPTS
BuyerID
UserID
OrderNumber
Date
ItemID
ItemSKU
ItemName
ItemCost
ShippingCost
ItemQuantity
TotalCost
Status

So, I want to be able to update "Status" and give 'delivered' or 'pending' values.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Many thanks.

[bastien]

$status = $_POST['status'];  //needs validation

$sql = 'update receipts set status = '$status'";

$result = mysql_query($status) or die (mysql_error());