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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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Here at the Humanitarian Service Project, we
are witnesses to an array of lifestyles led by senior citizens. Some are
alone in the world and faced with great health obstacles, struggling to pay
both medical bills and everyday expenses. Others are fortunate enough to
have the love of family members and friends, although they may not be able
to give financial support. These seniors appreciate this help, but, sadly,
still struggle with stress and trying to make ends meet. One senior who
truly embodies this sentiment is 78-year-old Katharina. With all of her
troubles, her spirit does not seem to waver, because she knows that she can
count on certain people to provide emotional support.
Katharina was one of
three daughters in her family growing up in Germany. At age 18, she
entered into a
marriage that would last 46 years until her husband’s death in 1993. The
young couple began a family immediately, soon producing four children. In
1951, the family made the move to the United States, searching for their pot
of gold. Although out of close contact, Katharina’s husband had hopes that
his brother had established himself enough in America to provide him with a
job that paid enough to support his family. Big cities seemed to be the
answer to the lack of opportunities left behind in Germany. Locating her
husband’s brother would prove to be just one dilemma in
a long line of obstacles.
Katharina and her husband arrived
in America with almost no personal belongings, as they were allowed to
transport only one briefcase among them. Once in
the United States, a cotton farm in
Arkansas seemed to offer the only residence for such a large family. After
five years of poverty, the family moved to Chicago to live with Katharina’s
husband’s brother. With a fifth child on the way, Katharina’s income of
$2 a day for cleaning services was stretched to a breaking point. The
prosperity she had hoped for never arrived.
After her husband’s
death, Katharina moved into her son’s house in LaGrange. Tragically, a
cancerous tumor was soon discovered on her son’s spine. He passed away shortly
after, leaving Katharina with his bills to pay on her limited income. She
was welcomed into her daughter’s family, but the lack of room in the already-full house prompted a search for her own residence. Luckily, an affordable
apartment was found, where Katharina has been living for the past
three years.
Despite the tragic losses
of her husband, son, and an older sister, Katharina is blessed with a large
family. Although she would love to see her sister in Germany, the distance
and cost makes it impossible for her. She cherishes any time she can spend
with her children and grandchildren, although it becomes more and more rare
as time passes. Though they can offer little help financially due to their
own rapidly-growing families and limited incomes, the love they provide
keeps her in high spirits.
Fortunately, Katharina’s
health is relatively good. She suffers from high blood pressure, but
regularly takes pills that keep it under control. She watches her
cholesterol to avoid many serious health risks. When asked about the
services provided by the Humanitarian Service Project, Katharina becomes
overjoyed. She exclaims that she never had such a great Christmas thanks to
all the gifts she received. The produce deliveries are always a highlight in
her month. Because she was unable to save enough money while working, her
Social Security income of $600 a
month is her only means of support. With
subsidized housing alone costing $144 per month, her appreciation for
our assistance is enormous.
Things to Remember about Katharina:
• Katharina’s birthday is May 23, 1929.
• She enjoys knitting and crocheting.
• She has four children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
• Her income is $600 a month.
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