Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Juanita

Receiving Groceries Since 2007

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

         One of the saddest realities of growing old is the loss of loved ones, especially if your circle is small to begin with. 89-year-old Juanita wishes that she had a bigger family. Her brother passed away, and she only has one other sibling, a sister, who resides in Florida. She says, “I wish I had a big family then they would be around as we got older and we could help take care of one another.” Ever since the HSP delivery of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and non-perishable food started, Juanita has something to look forward to. Each month she is greeted by a loving volunteer who gives Juanita a sense of community once again.

          Juanita grew up in Ipava, Illinois, 50 miles southwest of Peoria, with her two siblings. She and her husband, who was employed at a Caterpillar plant, lived near Peoria until their divorce, at which time Juanita moved to Aurora, where she has lived in the same home for about 40 years. She never remarried, nor does she have any children. Her father passed at the age of 75, and her mother at 85.

        For much of her life, Juanita looked to her place of employment to find “family.” She looks back on her life and says, “I wish I could still work and talk to people.” She worked a handful of different positions, mostly in factories. Despite the physical demands of factory work and very limited financial compensation, Juanita says that she appreciated every job she had. She loved the garment industry, selling dresses at department stores for 10 years, and then working in a fusing department making dresses for another 13 years. When that company went out of business, she worked in a candy factory, stocking diet candy on skids. She said, “All of my jobs were fun and I enjoyed everything I did…especially mingling with people.”

          Juanita says that she inherited “good genes” because she, like her parents while they were alive, doesn’t look her age. Her health is strong for 89, but she is very arthritic and must receive cortisone shots for her ailing back. Juanita’s muscles ache and doctor appointments are extremely tiring and painful. Her vision is in decline and osteoporosis and bowel problems contribute to her general weakness, but Juanita remains positive, giving her health the label of “very good.”

          Despite her longtime residency in her neighborhood, Juanita knows very few people, as most of her friends and neighbors have either died or moved away. One neighbor, whom she has known for many years, still helps her as best he can by assisting her in going to the store, but otherwise, Juanita is very much alone. She enjoys reading the newspaper and listening to political programming on talk radio. She also tries to do little chores around the house, but mostly enjoys just sitting outside when the weather is nice. She said, “I like hot weather, it thaws your bones out.”

          Juanita has a monthly income of $606. For years, Juanita has been forced to skip meals and has struggled to afford the proper nutrition.  Juanita can now enjoy a consistent supply of her favorite fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and non-perishable goods, as well as personal care products delivered right to her door. She also receives a special gift every month through our Secret Pal program; through this program she is allowed to request her personal needs by placing them on a wish list. We are happy to have Juanita and her incredibly positive attitude 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 Juanita:

• Her birthday is April 19, 1919

• Her monthly income is $606.

• Her favorite color is pink.

•  Her favorite flower is a rose.