Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Angelo & Katherine

Receiving Groceries Since 2006

Monthly deliveries include:

7 selections of fresh vegetables

6 selections of fresh fruits

7 varieties of frozen meats

5 bags of non-perishables

1 bag of paper products and personal care items

Gifts from a Secret Pal

          For some of the seniors in our Senior Citizen Project, the financial struggles that they face today seem contradictory to the success of their earlier years.  In their younger days 72 year old Angelo and 65 year old Katherine were both proud and successful business owners.  As they aged, the health problems that began to plague them both physically forced them to end their careers.  As they developed severe conditions that required lengthy treatments, expensive medications, and limited their mobility, they suffered immense financial losses that continue to this day.  The couple has struggled greatly in recent years to afford the healthcare and the nutrition that they need.  We are thankful and fortunate for your sponsorship dollars enabling us to provide them with greatly needed support and stability each month.

          As you are well aware, our mission is to help seniors in poverty throughout DuPage and Kane counties.  Here at HSP we see the first hand effects of crushing poverty every day.  Whenever we talk to one of our 115 seniors, many of them share what’s been going on in their lives.  Some being good and some being very sad.  Our hearts always go out to them.  Many times we wonder just how they can get by with so many illnesses and financial troubles creating frustration and worry which always takes a high toll on them.  For too many, sharing their stress of not being able to purchase the things they need is compounded by their increasing age and failing health. Despite these challenges, most of our seniors always seem to find something cheery to talk about in their lives.   Many are very strong and courageous.  They face each day with a smile, feeling grateful and counting the few blessings they have.  It is an inspiration for us to see their warm spirits remain positive in the face of difficult adversities. 

          Angelo and Katherine both grew up in the suburbs of Chicago.  Angelo was raised as part of a family of 7 and Katherine, a family of 8.  Both had parents that lived into their 80’s and have siblings that are still living today.  Angelo had 3 children from a previous marriage, but the couple never had any children together.  Despite the large family the couple has between their siblings and his children, Angelo and Katherine rarely see or speak with them.  Angelo’s siblings all live out of state, as do his children, with whom he has no contact.  And even though Katherine’s sisters live locally, contact is primarily by mail, as they suffer from their own illnesses and financial struggles.  A    social couple by nature, Angelo and Katherine have found “family” within the building in which they live, yet without the assistance of their relatives, remain very much alone in their financial burdens.

          Before moving to West Chicago last year, the couple had lived in Oakbrook since the 1960’s.  Angelo was in the commercial property construction business.  Up until five years ago, he owned and operated a company that built apartment buildings in the suburbs.  Katherine started her own small advertising agency that developed creative advertising for direct mail, print, and television.  As their health has worsened over the past decade, both were forced to leave working behind and focus on the enormous task of remaining positive in the face of adversity.

          Angelo, who has diabetes and is blind in one eye, was diagnosed with skin cancer 2 years ago.  The cancerous cells had begun to move into other parts of his body and he underwent surgery during which his skull was opened to remove the cancer that had entered his head.  The surgery was successful, but it in no way cured Angelo’s failing health.  Since that time his body has weakened to the point that he is unable to leave the home.  He is now receiving kidney and prostrate treatments in their apartment.  Katherine suffers from Parkinson’s, which affects her memory and causes the left half of her body to constantly shake.  Both use canes and have struggled with poor balance, suffering dozens of falls.  For Katherine, who has herniated discs, any fall can cause immense pain.  Even when she is standing or sitting comfortably, she experiences great pain and must take medication every 2 hours.  As if all these issues were not enough, the couple, whose apartment is located near a salvage yard, both suffer from severe allergies to pollens and dust.

          Sadly, due to their respective conditions, Angelo and Katherine are no longer able to do the things that they enjoy.  When they were healthy, they enjoyed entertaining and walking.  But now, Angelo finds it difficult to move from the bed to the sofa and Katherine can only walk in a forward direction.  Even reading has become increasingly difficult.  Now, their days are filled with doctor visits and appointments, talking with other tenants in the social room, and watching history and biography programs on television.

          Angelo and Katherine’s monthly income is $1,592.  They spend $535 on rent and a large portion of what remains on healthcare and insurance.  Before they were enrolled in our Senior Citizen Project, it had been an enormous struggle for Angelo and Katherine not only to afford meals, but to physically go to the grocery store to purchase food.  Because of your sponsorship they can now enjoy a more consistent supply of their favorite foods delivered right to their door.  Katherine said that because of all the wonderful fruits and vegetables they can eat a salad every day.  She says that fresh foods and non-perishables are easy for her to prepare and provide the nutrition that the couple needs.  We are happy to have Angelo and Katherine in the HSP family and we are confident that, together, we can help them get through these difficult times in their life!

Things to Remember about Angelo and Katherine:

Monthly income is $1,592

Angelo’s birthday is August 28, 1934; he turns 73 in 2007

Katherine’s birthday is May 16, 1941; she turns 66 in 2007

Their favorite food is Italian

Their favorite flower is the rose and their favorite color is white