Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Della

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

         We here at HSP see the first-hand effects of crushing poverty every day. Whenever we talk to one of our 120 seniors, we hear their tales of hardship and suffering and our hearts go out to them. Sometimes it’s a wonder that they can get by at all, with illness and financial woe blocking their paths to peace and happiness. For many, a cloud of dark depression follows them around as they are constantly reminded of their dire circumstances. Some of our seniors, however, seem as if nothing can get them down. They face each day with a smile and feel gratitude for the blessings they have. It can be a true inspiration for us to see their warm spirits remain positive in the face of tremendous adversity. One senior who comes to mind is 71-year-old Della. Della says she is thankful for each day that she is alive, no matter what that day brings.

          As we said, Della is an incredibly positive person. She has two children, a son who lives in Chicago, and a daughter who lives very close to her. She also has 3 grandchildren. Della loves children and likes to visit with her grandchildren when she can. Seeing her daughter and her grandchildren helps to keep her spirits up. Unfortunately, her daughter has a family and problems of her own to worry about, so she can’t offer too much help beyond taking her to the doctor, or other places she may need to go. In fact, her daughter is forced to work two jobs just to make ends meet for her own family. Della’s mother lives in Indiana, and when Della has the time she tries to help out what little she can with short visits, despite the fact that she requires a great deal of care herself.

          Della’s health has not improved a great deal. There is some good news, however. Della says she has gone through rehabilitation and can now walk for short distances, as opposed to being permanently confined to a wheelchair. The bad news is that she is still afflicted with partial paralysis after having a stroke a few years ago. She also has diabetes, painful arthritis, and is nearly blind, making it difficult for her to perform several everyday tasks. On top of all of this, her meager income of $400 is hardly enough to cover all of her medical expenses, as well as bills and the cost of living.

          One thing Della will never have to worry about is where her next meal is coming from. She loves getting a delivery of 80-90 lbs. of groceries as well as personal care items each month. She says that on a scale of one to ten, HSP’s service is a ten! We are truly happy that we can reinforce Della’s unbendable optimism. It’s truly a wonder to meet someone who loves life as much as she does.


Things to Remember about Della:

• Della’s birthday is September 25, 1936
• Her monthly income is $400
• She likes ground beef and milk
• She likes to read the Bible