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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 every day 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 77 year old Katharina. With all of her
troubles, her spirit does not seem to waver because she knows she can count
on certain people to provide emotional support. Now, thanks to your
assistance she knows that she will receive grocery deliveries every month.
We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information
about this endearing woman.
Katharina was one of
three daughters in her family growing up in Germany. At age 18, she began 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 line of obstacles.
They arrived with almost no personal belongings as they were allowed to
transport only one briefcase among them. Once in America, 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/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 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 two 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/month is her only means of support. With
subsidized housing alone costing $144/month, her appreciation for your
assistance is enormous. We share in that appreciation and look forward to
working with you to bring happiness to this deserving senior citizen for
years to come.
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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