Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Ann

Receiving Groceries Since 1997

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

       Here at HSP, we have the privilege of meeting many different seniors through our Senior Citizen Project.  You start to realize that everyone has a different way of looking at the world.  Some of our seniors are depressed, others are shy, some are talkative, others are sentimental.  No matter what, though, we learn to appreciate them for who they are, and what they have brought to this world.  There is one senior, however, who stands out as being very outgoing.  That senior is Ann.  87-year-old Ann would like nothing more than to stay up all night talking with her friends and playing games, then go for a lively jog or bike ride first thing in the morning.  While her enthusiasm is infectious, it's saddening for us to know that her physical condition prevents her ambition from becoming reality.  That's why we are so thankful to you for helping us to support Ann through her difficult times and we wanted to share some information on this energetic woman. 

         Ann grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and still misses her old home very much.  She was one of nine children, but only four, including her, are still alive.  When she was younger, she worked as a practical nurse.  She still has a great desire to help the sick, and says she is sad that she is too old to volunteer in a hospital.  Ann's first bout with tragedy came when her mother was killed in a car accident at the age of 42.  Ann has vivid memories of the day it happened which she has carried with her for many years. 

         Ann recently moved into a new apartment and it is working out quite well for her.  She still is sorely lacking in furniture, however, and says she could really use something to put her feet up on, such as an ottoman or a recliner.  It's no wonder that she wants to rest her feet, considering her health problems.  Ann had surgery on her spine in 2000 and still has trouble moving around because of it.  She now has to walk slowly, with a cane.  This is like torture to poor Ann, who used to love to take walks around her neighborhood every day and talk to all the people she saw.  Now it's a chore for her just to get around her apartment.  Ann also suffers from glaucoma, hearing loss, and high blood pressure.  In addition, she has arthritis in her back and knees which causes her a lot of pain.  Most alarming of all, she had to have heart surgery in February of 2004.  Although she reports that she is doing better now, she was still very frightened when she had to go in.  To top it all off, Ann's income of only $800 is hardly enough to cover her living costs, plus her medical expenses. 

      Fortunately, Ann remains a truly optimistic person.  She says she still enjoys playing bingo in her building and talking to the other seniors who live there.  She also likes listening to blues, jazz and classical music, reading history books, and playing with her little black cat, Kudo.  We are happy to know that thanks to you, Ann has a reason to remain optimistic, for she will never have to worry about where her next meal will be coming from.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us to let this woman who loves helping others know that there are people willing to help her. 

  Things to Remember About Ann:

  •   Ann’s birthday is November 1, 1920.

  •   Her monthly income is $800.

  •   She loves reading mystery books.

  •   She has a cat named Kudo.

2009 Update:

          Besides still worrying about having enough money, Ann has been struggling recently with her health.  At 88, Ann suffers from diabetes, arthritis, glaucoma, high blood pressure, and heart disease.  Though her knee replacement a few years back was a success, Ann still experiences daily pain and discomfort.  Ann says just walking around is excruciating and she “can’t get around like I use to which is so frustrating.”  While Ann uses a walker, she says if she could get a wheelchair that would make things so much earlier.  We are currently working with Access Medicare to get Ann a wheelchair.  Ann still has tenderness in her back after undergoing major surgery a couple years ago.  She also feels that a back brace will be beneficial in her recovery but cannot afford one at this time.  She goes to the doctor on a regular basis, sometimes weekly, and is on numerous medications.

           When Ann is not so stressed about her health, you can find her helping others.  “I like to make people jolly and happy,” she says.  Ann loves children.  In fact, a perfect day for her includes watching her great grandchildren play together.  Ann is the proud mother of four children, numerous grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.  She sees her family only once a month and enjoys every minute of it.  Unfortunately, none of her family is able to help Ann out financially.  Even though they give Ann emotional support, they all struggle to pay their own bills and provide for their own families in these tough economic times.  Besides family, Ann has two friends that she enjoys spending time with.  One of her friends takes her to the doctors whenever she needs to go.  “He’s a trooper,” she says.  In her spare time, Ann loves to read books about animals.

           The Humanitarian Service Project’s monthly grocery delivery with a wide variety of healthy foods lessens Ann’s anxiety.  “I don’t have to worry about buying food,” she says.  It is a day she looks forward to because of the colorful array of nutritious foods delivered right to her door by Ann’s volunteer driver, John.  The service is “wonderful” and she “runs to the door.  Well not literally,” Ann added with a laugh.  Her favorite produce includes bananas, oranges, pears, grapes, broccoli, and lettuce.  Chicken, hamburger meat, and pork chops are her top three favorite meats.  “My life is so much better since I started getting food from you,” she says.  Now, Ann is able to enjoy a diet full of rich and healthy fruits, vegetables, meats, and non-perishables and she can use what little remains from her income for medications and other necessities.

          Through thoughtful support, HSP helps Ann maintain her independence and spirit so she lives her life as fully and actively as possible.  Together, we are making a positive impact on the life of Ann.   From the bottom of our hearts and Ann’s, thank you for having such a profound and positive impact on Ann’s life.