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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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Many of the seniors in our program are from
distant lands and came here seeking a better life. As we all know, however,
while some find their dream when they immigrate to another country, many do
not. Many find that their lack of language skills may prevent them from
finding a stable job. On top of that, the language and cultural barrier may
keep them isolated, giving them few people to relate to. This can be
especially difficult on a senior citizen, many of whom already deal with
loneliness each day. One senior who comes to mind is Elvira. Turning 83 this
year, Elvira has lived a long and difficult life. For this reason, we are
happy to be able to bring comfort to her in her winter years.
Hailing from Hungary,
Elvira immigrated to the United States in 1985. She was married in Hungary,
but after a messy divorce decided to come to this country, where she hoped a
better life awaited her and her daughter, Sheila. It’s difficult, however,
to learn a new language in middle age, and Elvira still struggles
with English to this day. Her daughter was able to pick it up with relative
ease, but is disabled, and thus unable to find steady work. Elvira’s
inability to speak the language has meant a fairly solitary life since she
first came to America. Isolated from her neighbors by the language barrier,
Elvira's only human contact are often her daughter's occasional visits.
Compounding her problems,
Elvira suffers from high blood pressure and arthritis, and is legally blind.
She tries to downplay her health problems as if they’re not very serious.
Her daughter says that Elvira refuses to use a wheelchair, despite her
extreme difficulty with walking, saying that wheelchairs are for “old
people.” This confidence masks the serious issues which she lives with each
day. On top of that, her income is $540 a month. It’s incredibly difficult
for her to pay her subsidized rent of $120, utilities and medical bills all
on such a limited budget!
Fortunately, Elvira will
never have to worry about where her next meal will be coming from. Since we
have added her to our program she has received a monthly delivery of 90
lbs. of food, along with personal care products and household items. We were
even able to find a donor to give Elvira a much-needed air conditioner
some time ago. Elvira is living a more comfortable life now. She enjoys
visiting with her daughter, and likes to play with her cat when she has the
energy. She is also thankful to have the stress of acquiring and paying for
food lifted from her shoulders.
Things to remember About Elvira:
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Elvira’s birthday is December 14, 1925.
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She watches T.V. sometimes, even though she
doesn’t always understand what’s being said.
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She likes to listen to country music.
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Her income is $540 a month.
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