Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Mary Kathrine

Receiving Groceries Since 2004

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

          With so much stacked against them, many of the needy seniors in our Senior Citizen Project often become depressed. You can surely understand that dealing with poverty and illness could create a sense of despair in many of them! There are some seniors, however, who just never seem to get down, no matter what. 65-year-old Mary Kathrine, for example, is almost always in a good mood. She says that listening to good music or visiting with her friends is what keeps her in such a great mood all the time.

          Despite her good mood, Mary Kathrine does suffer from some serious health problems. After battling polio, Mary must use a wheelchair to get around, which makes going out very difficult for her. She says that she actually can no longer get in and out of cars, so anyone who wants to visit her has to be close by, or come to her! Her son and grandson stop by a few times each week to check up on her. Mary also shares the responsibility of caring for her great-great-granddaughter. The mother is too young to take care of the child, so Mary and her daughter are raising her together. Happily, her children give her emotional support, but, sadly, cannot help her financially, as they have many problems of their own.

         Mary Kathrine passes the time by sewing, but says that her hands won't allow her to sew as much as she used to. She also busies herself by talking to friends on the internet, and listening to music. Mary said she has a very large CD collection, and her favorite artist happens to be Celine Dion. She is proud to say that she is a wonderful cook, and still does all her own cooking, making everything from fried chicken to broccoli casseroles. But with a Social Security income of only $574 a month, over $200 of which goes to her subsidized rent and utilities, it is often very difficult for Mary Kathrine to have enough money to purchase the necessities of life.

          That's where HSP comes in! Mary Kathrine said it's "just perfect" receiving fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, non-perishables, personal care items, and gifts for around the house each month from HSP. Given how difficult it is for her to go out she says that it is wonderful to have all these items delivered right to her door by friendly volunteers. Mary Kathrine is always looking on the bright side of life, no matter how difficult things become. We feel that, together, we can continue to give her reasons to stay positive!

Things to Remember about Mary Kathrine:
• Mary Kathrine’s birthday is March 17, 1943.
• Her favorite color is blue.
• She loves to listen to music from the 50s and 60s.
• She enjoys sewing.