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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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We have the privilege of meeting many different and wonderful people through
our Senior Citizen Project. The seniors in our program have many different
stories to tell us and we love to listen to them share their wisdom. It’s
fascinating to think about how many different types of people we have in our
program. Some are shy and quiet, others are loud and boisterous, others are
thoughtful and reflective. One senior who comes to mind as being
particularly charming is Ruby. 78 year old Ruby speaks in a sweet southern
drawl, commenting “I’ve lived up here for 46 years, I never lost my accent,
and if someone doesn’t like the way I talk it’s too late now!” Her candor
and friendly demeanor, however, mask the fact that she lives in truly dire
circumstances. We are so thankful to you for helping us to bring joy into
Ruby’s life. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some of this
woman’s stories with you.
Ruby grew up in South Carolina,
one of seven children. 2 of her siblings and her father, however, died by
the time she was 1 year old. This left the burden of supporting the family
on Ruby’s mother who worked hard in a cotton mill to make ends meet. As soon
as Ruby was old enough, she went to work there as well, pulling her weight
for the family. She met her husband Randolph while working at the mill. The
two were married with children when they finally decided that a better life
awaited them in Chicago. The young family moved up here and Ruby and
Randolph worked in food service to support themselves, their 3 daughters and
1 son. Randolph’s failing health eventually forced him to work less and less
putting a financial strain on the family. He finally succumbed to his heart
troubles in 1985. “Then I was all alone,” said Ruby.
Three of Ruby’s children
live in the Chicagoland area, but they are busy with their own families and
monetary woes and cannot offer too much financial support. She is happy to
have them nearby, none-the-less, because she is worried about her health.
Ruby has had many operations, including having part of her stomach removed,
having her gall bladder removed and cataract surgery. She also has throat
problems, nerve damage in her legs and feet and osteoarthritis. Most
recently she says the doctors found “a spot” on her lungs and they have yet
to determine what it is. Compounding Ruby’s troubles are her financial woes.
Her monthly income is only $800 and her subsidized rent is $237. After her
expensive utility and medical bills there is hardly any left over for her to
purchase the basic necessities of life.
For this reason we
feel privileged to have found Ruby. She no longer has to worry about bare
cupboards. Each month she receives a delivery of food from HSP which fills
them right up! She said “I’m thankful for everything you people do for me,”
when we asked her how she liked being a part of the Senior Citizen Project
so far. Ruby still has a great deal to contend with in her daily life, but
thanks to your support we can continue to bring happiness into this warm
woman’s life.
Things to Remember about Ruby:
• Ruby’s birthday is May 13, 1928.
• Her monthly income is $800.
• She likes to play solitaire.
• She has trouble seeing so she rarely reads.
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