Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Betty Z

Receiving Groceries Since 1998

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

         One of the wonderful things about working at HSP is the knowledge that we can help make our senior’s dreams come true. We have many senior citizens in our program whose modest wishes are outside of their grasp, and when we are able to bring some joy into their life through our Senior Citizen Project it fills our hearts. One senior whose life we feel we have made a true difference in is Betty. 75 year old Betty doesn’t ask for much, but her dire financial situation makes it difficult for her to afford even the barest of essentials. Thanks to your support we have been able to fulfill some of her wants, as well as bring nourishment and solace into her life.

          We would like to share some information with you on her. Betty grew up in Berwyn, and has lived in the Chicago area for most of her life. She served as a switchboard operator in New Jersey during the Korean War, which is how she met her first husband. Betty was married twice, and both marriages ended sadly. One of her spouses passed away after a bout with cancer, and she divorced the other claiming he was a “gambler and a liar.” She rarely sees several of her children. She says one of her sons is a “basket case.” Another of her sons is quite ill. She is very close to her daughter, but sadly the daughter must work two jobs just to keep her own financial situation from going under, so she can’t afford to help Betty with her monetary problems.
 

          With an income of only $810 a month and a subsidized rent of $190, not counting bills, you can imagine the strain this puts on Betty. Health problems also plague her, including diabetes, ulcers, high blood pressure and thyroid problems. Betty has had several surgeries including a quadruple bypass. She says her biggest problem is finding an affordable way to get to the store or doctor, as she is unable to drive and her daughter is often too busy to take her where she needs to go. You can understand why we wanted to help Betty so much when she was referred to us by DuPage County Senior Services!
 

          This last year we were able to fulfill a dream she’s had for a long time. We were able to find a computer for Betty, and she has been using it to study her family’s history. Genealogy is one of her passions. She’s a self-described “history buff.” She is also incredibly thankful for the food deliveries which she receives each month. She once told us that “it’s like Christmas every month!” When Betty tells us how much she appreciates what HSP has done for her we are overjoyed that we have been able to bring happiness to such a wonderful woman. We must thank you for helping to brighten Betty’s life!

  Things to Remember about Betty:

  • Betty’s birthday is August 22, 1931

  • Her monthly income is $810

  • She likes jigsaw puzzles and angel decorations

  • Her favorite color is green