Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Ann X

Receiving Groceries Since 2007

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

        68-year old Ann lives on her own and really welcomes  being part of the Senior Citizens Project. With a variety of health issues (including asthma, bronchitis, allergies, arthritis, and diabetes), her medical expenses are over $300 per month. Along with rent and a car payment, her monthly income barely covers things.  But now, with assistance from HSP, food at least is no longer a chronic concern.

          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 simply by being old.  Despite these challenges, some 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.

             Ann  grew up in Tennessee and moved to the Chicago area with her parents when she was 18.  Over the years, she worked at factory and cleaning jobs.  Both her mother and father have long since passed.  Of her three brothers and two sisters, only two    siblings are still alive: a brother in South Carolina and a sister in Tennessee.  Ann  married several times and had a daughter and a son.  Both adult children live in the area and she sees them often.  Although they share a good relationship, neither child is able to offer her any financial support.  She also has a 9-year old grandson and a granddaughter who is pregnant and has cancer.

             Ann also is grateful for several good friends with whom she likes to visit and do things.  On a typical day when she’s alone, you might find her reading, doing a crossword puzzle, or crocheting with all sorts of needles and yarn.

            Ann has a monthly income of $1,039. But practically nothing is left after she pays her rent ($321) and medical expenses ($300), and makes a car payment ($350).  With assistance from HSP, she no longer has to worry about how she will pay for food.  Each month she will receive 90 pounds of groceries, including 7 frozen meats, 13 selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, 5 bags of non-perishables, bread, personal care items, a large garbage bag filled with paper towels, Kleenex and toilet paper, and gifts from her Secret Pal.  Now that she is in the HSP family, she knows she has someone she can count on.

                                      Things to Remember about Ann :

Her birthday is October 2, 1939; she will turn 69 in 2008

Her monthly income is $1,039

Her favorite color is blue