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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
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When many of us think about what our senior citizen years may bring, it is
easy to see the positive. Independence from the demands of work, the freedom
to enjoy life, and all the time in the world to spend with loved ones. But
the reality of entering those years can be quite difficult. 65 year old
Darling, who is new to our program, has experienced changes that she did not
expect. She is widowed, rarely sees her family, and now has the
responsibility of being a single parent to her teenage granddaughter. With
her health struggles and a lack of family support she now finds herself in
need of assistance. We are very thankful and fortunate that you have decided
to join with us by providing Darling with the security of receiving a 90
pound delivery of 12 to 13 selections of fresh produce, 7 frozen meats, 6
bags of non-perishables, and personal care items every 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 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.
Darling was born
and raised, along with her ten siblings, on Chicago’s west side. For the 19
years before she became widowed, she and her spouse remained on the west
side to raise their three sons and one daughter. Sadly for Darling she has
gradually lost those closest to her. Her father passed when she was 30 years
old and her mother died shortly before her 40th birthday. In addition to the
death of her husband, she has had limited or no contact with her children,
despite the fact that they all reside in the DuPage area. One of her sons, a
father of a young daughter, became heavily involved with drugs. Ten years
ago, Darling was forced to step in to gain custody of her granddaughter, who
is now 17. Darling told us that she does not know what has become of her
son’s life. Her occasional visits with her daughter and other grandchildren
and the occasional phone call with her siblings is all the family contact
that Darling has. She says that none of her family members are in a
situation where they can provide any financial assistance for her and her
granddaughter.
Obesity has been a
primary health concern for a number of years and has made it necessary for
Darling to use a wheelchair. Over the past year, the number of days and
duration of time that she is able to be out of the wheelchair and only use a
walker have increased, but she remains in a lot of pain and discomfort. She
has recently started a therapy program targeting her hip and thighs, with
the hope that she will regain some of her mobility. Darling is positive that
successful therapy will maybe allow her to begin bowling again, something
she enjoyed when she was more mobile. Darling also suffers from high blood
pressure, slipped discs, and difficulty transferring, all of which are
complicated by or caused by her weight problem.
As the guardian of
a teenage girl, Darling focuses most of her attention on raising her. She
does not have any friends or neighbors that she sees regularly, but instead
does all that she can to keep up with her granddaughter’s needs. In the
afternoons after she cleans the house and washes clothes, Darling finds the
time to relax by watching soap operas, sewing or crocheting, playing
solitaire on the computer, or reading Good Housekeeping magazine or Black
Literature novels.
Darling’s monthly income
is $1,159. Her rent is $259, her medical expenses are $182, and the costs of
taking care of a child easily consume anything leftover after utilities are
paid. Before she was enrolled in our Senior Project, Darling struggled
greatly to be able to feed herself and her granddaughter. Because of your
sponsorship she can now enjoy a more consistent supply of healthy foods with
our wonderful package of fresh produce, frozen meats, and non-perishables.
Darling loves the opportunity to cook and says that her favorite items are
cabbage, green peppers, string beans, steak, and poultry. We are happy to
have Darling in the HSP family and we are confident that, together, we can
help her get through these difficult times in her life!
Things to Remember about Darling:
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Her birthday is July 12, 1941; she will turn 66.
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Her monthly income is $1,159.
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Her favorite colors are blue and bright yellow.
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Her favorite flower is the rose.
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She likes to sew and crochet.
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