Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Charlotte

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

          After raising nine children and working hard all of her life, 73-year old Charlotte  now struggles each month to make ends meet.  Money for food is especially in short supply.  She currently spends $90 a month on groceries but often has to skip meals or cut back.  Without help from the Humanitarian Service Project, she says she would go hungry.  The great selection of fruits and  vegetables really makes a difference.

           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.

         Charlotte grew up in Chicago.  There she met a widower with seven children.  They married and moved to Georgia where they had two more sons.  During the thirty-six years of their marriage, Charlotte  did general office work and her husband was in sales for a newspaper.  After her husband’s death four years ago Charlotte’s one surviving birth son encouraged her to move back to Chicago.  (Her other birth son committed suicide 16 years ago.)

         Charlotte values the relationship with her one son and sees him regularly.  But he is unable to provide any care or financial assistance.  Sunday phone calls to her one sister who now lives in Ohio are another important connection with family.  Unfortunately, she rarely sees her grandchildren who live in Georgia.

          Like so many people who live in large cities, Charlotte  has found it difficult to make new friends.  She says that her neighbors all live in their little apartments and don’t really want to visit.  Thank goodness for the companionship of her little dog, Tony, a four-year old whom she rescued.  Their walks together are also a good chance to get outside for a little exercise.

          Physically, Charlotte  has heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes.  She also uses incontinence products.  She was very interested in a referral to  Lenscrafters so that she might receive new eyeglasses, especially since she enjoys reading.  Westerns and historical novels are among her favorites.  She also enjoys watching T.V. and doing crossword puzzles and word searches.

         Charlotte has a monthly income of $1,002.  Her rent and monthly expenses total $677.  In the past, there was never enough money for food.  But with assistance from HSP, Charlotte  now can count on a monthly delivery of nutritious food, including the fresh fruits and vegetables which she loves.  As part of the HSP family, Charlotte  is secure in knowing that the food she needs to stay healthy and enjoy life will always be there.

Things to Remember about Charlotte :

 Her birthday is October 1, 1934; she will turn 74 in 2008

Her monthly income is $1,002

Her favorite flowers are roses

Her favorite color is blue