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 115 seniors we hear their tales or hardship and suffering and our hearts go out to them. Sometimes it’s a wonder they can get by at all with illness and financial woe blocking their path 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 few 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 69 year old Della. Della says she is thankful for each day she is alive, no matter what it brings. We know that she is also thankful for your support, Dawn. We thought we would share some information on this woman who is always smiling at life.
      

          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 time she tries to help out what little she can with short visits, despite the fact 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 couple of 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. Thanks to you, Dawn, for empowering us to continue to give Della a reason to smile.

 

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