|
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
|
|
For many of the low-income senior citizens
in our Senior Citizen Project hardship is nothing new. They have become so
used to their struggle that it has become a way of life for them. Sometimes
it can be difficult for us to hear their stories, but when we learn of the
conditions that so many of our seniors live in it only hardens our resolve
to continue to bring solace and comfort to their troubled lives. One senior
whose life has been a true struggle is Donna. At 70 years old, Donna is
responsible not only for herself, but for her disabled son. The situation
puts the two of them in a true financial strain. When we met Donna in 2002
we knew this was a home where we could make a difference. We are thankful to
you for your assistance in bringing comfort to Donna, and we wanted to share
some of this strong woman’s history with you.
Donna was born in
Milwaukee and spent her young years there. When she moved to Chicago to go
to school for Dress Design, she met and married the man of her dreams.
Unfortunately she never finished school and soon found that reality didn’t
keep up with her dreams. The couple had five children together, but after
years of separation and unhappiness the two divorced and Donna was left with
three children still at home to support. Her children are now scattered and
unable to help Donna for they all have their own problems to worry about.
She still takes care of one son who she calls “baby” who is disabled and
lives with her.
Donna worked in an office
for several years to support herself and her children. She even picked up a
few computer skills from her job. Things looked like they would turn out
okay for Donna until tragedy struck. A few years ago she fell while walking
her dog late at night and was not rescued for over 2 hours. She had broken
her hip and leg and has never fully recovered. Now she needs a walker to get
anywhere, and even then she can’t get very far. On top of that, she and her
son survive on Donna’s meager income of $613 a month. Her son is still
waiting for disability income and Donna pays for all his medications. Even
with her subsidized rent of $148 her income doesn’t go very far.
Thankfully we have been
able to intervene in their existence. Donna says she is very grateful for
the service which HSP provides for her. She looks forward to receiving her
delivery of non-perishables, paper, personal care items and fresh produce
each month from her volunteer delivery person. She is also a very social
person and enjoys talking with her neighbors. We are very happy that we have
been able to join together with you to lend a helping hand to Donna and her
son. We will never stop making sure that they know that there are people out
there who care about them.
Things to Remember about Donna:
• Donna’s birthday is July 12, 1933.
• Her monthly income is $613.
• She loves chicken.
• She has a dog.
|
