Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Virginia

Receiving Groceries Since 2006

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

       It can be heartbreaking for us to see the suffering inflicted upon the senior citizens we serve by poverty and the hopelessness which comes with it. We are always filled with joy, however, when we experience the true difference that we can make in the lives of those in need. Your support has enabled us to bring another year of sorely needed help to 80-year-old Virginia, and she is truly grateful that we have come together on her behalf to brighten her long days!

       Virginia has had many good times and bad times in her life. A lifelong resident of the Chicago area, Virginia worked at a bank during World War II while her future husband, John, served in Europe. She has fond memories of the day the war ended, seeing everyone happy and hugging each other. No doubt she was ecstatic, as well, for now the love of her life would be coming home, and she would no longer have to settle for writing him letter after letter without ever getting to see him in person. John and Virginia were married in 1947, and had one child. She never remarried after John passed away in 1987, and says that she still misses him very much. In fact, she still has the over 400 letters he sent her during the war, which serve as a reminder of one of the most important times in her life.

      Virginia’s health problems are a great hindrance to her happiness and independence. She has to use a walker to get around her small apartment, due to major pains in her legs. Her doctor doesn’t want to operate on her legs because it’s “too risky,” as there are “too many things wrong.” She has had to have several other surgeries, however, including two for glaucoma and one for lung cancer. She also suffers from diabetes, which causes her to pass out often. She takes 16 pills a day for her health troubles, but often has to go without important medicines, including her arthritis medication, because she simply can’t afford it. On her meager income of $665 a month, it’s difficult for her to afford much of anything. She can count on her son and his family for the occasional visit, but not for financial support. They can barely make ends meet themselves. Virginia said she was prone to anxiety attacks when she first came into our lives in 2001.

           Since Virginia has come into our lives, we have had the privilege of sharing our services with this wonderful and personable woman who needs our help so much. Virginia says she truly appreciates the monthly deliveries of all of her favorite foods. She is also very thankful that we have found generous community members to come forward and donate items such as a new toaster and a reclining chair to her.

          Virginia knows that it’s never too late to improve the quality of your life, and so she is currently trying to get more exercise to reduce the amount of pressure on her bad legs. She says that it is difficult because she gets tired quickly and has a small apartment, but her continued positivity is a testament to her strength in the face of adversity.

Things to Remember About Virginia:
• Virginia’s birthday is August 16, 1927.
• Her favorite color is blue.
• Her income is $665 a month.
• Her rent is $95 a month (subsidized housing).
• Her favorite foods include cherries and pumpkin pie with Cool Whip.