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Volunteer Delivery Drivers |
The Humanitarian Service Project Senior Citizen Project Marilyn |
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Receiving Groceries Since 2005 |
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Monthly deliveries include: |
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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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As
you are well aware, our mission is to help seniors in poverty throughout
DuPage and Kane counties. Here at HSP we see the first hand effects of
crushing poverty every day. Whenever we talk to one of our 115 seniors, many
of them share what’s been going on in their lives. Some being good and some
being very sad. Our hearts always go out to them. Many times we wonder just
how they can get by with so many illnesses and financial troubles creating
frustration and worry which always takes a high toll on them. For too many,
sharing their stress of not being able to purchase the things they need is
compounded simply by being old. Despite these challenges, some of our
seniors always seem to find something cheery to talk about in their lives.
Many are very strong and courageous. They face each day with a smile,
feeling grateful and counting the few blessings they have. It is an
inspiration for us to see their warm spirits remain positive in the face of
difficult adversities.
Marilyn was born on February 18, 1929, and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
with one sister. She has lived in Bensenville for the past 13 years. Sadly
she tells us she has lost two husbands she loved very much, her sister and
both her parents. Her first marriage gave them one son who now lives in
Cicero. Unfortunately, he does not have a regular job and is unable to help
Marilyn financially. Marilyn worked throughout both her marriages; first,
doing various office jobs for Continental Can and later doing data entry for
United Airlines. She lights up when talking about her two grandchildren and
5 great-grandchildren. One grandchild lives in Cary, Illinois, and the other
lives in Kentucky. As is the case with many of our seniors, distance
prevents Marilyn’s grandchildren and their families from being able to help
her except for a comforting and greatly needed occasional visit or telephone
call. This lack of proximity exacerbates the problem of poverty passed
through generations and leaves Marilyn without the support that many of us
take for granted.
Marilyn is a very social person. She has many friends in her building and
still keeps in contact with some of the friends she made while working at
Continental Can – having known some of them for over 50 years! Marilyn says
she doesn’t like to sit still and keeps herself busy by volunteering when
she can, including serving a term as building council president. She tells
us how much she loves to read – especially historical novels. She also
enjoys listening to classical and opera music and watching cooking shows and
drama movies.
Marilyn remains in good spirits despite suffering from ulcer and bowel
problems, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and severe arthritis. Her arthritis
often slows her down to the point where she has to use either her cane or
her walker. Social Security provides Marilyn with only $948 each month to
pay her rent of $193, insurance of $204, and a high balance on her credit
card which she had used to buy groceries before we found her and began our
deliveries to her each month.
Marilyn refuses to let her challenges slow her down or dampen her spirits.
She loves receiving her delivery of 80-90 lbs. of groceries including five
fresh fruits, six fresh vegetables, 7 frozen meats, non-perishable goods,
paper products, and Secret Pal gifts each month. She told us how she
couldn’t believe the amount and variety of food that was delivered right to
her door and how incredibly grateful she is for all the help we are able to
give her. Thank you for empowering us to continue to give Marilyn a reason
to smile.
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