Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Esther

Receiving Groceries Since 2002

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

           The seniors in our Senior Citizen Project all face obstacles on a daily basis which many of us are fortunate enough to never have to deal with. It’s sometimes difficult for us here at HSP to imagine what life is like for our seniors. They face so many challenges and have so much to contend with that we often marvel at their will to soldier on. Some of our seniors, in the face of their troubles, sink into despair and become depressed at the prospects of their future. Others, miraculously, are able to maintain a positive attitude no matter what hardships befall them. One senior who comes to mind is Esther. At 84 years old, Esther has never had a life free of responsibility. Even well into her old age, she is still the sturdy backbone of her family. Despite this, Esther’s health and financial woes are so great that when we met her we knew we had to intervene.  We want to share some of this positive woman’s history with you.

          Esther grew up in Chicago, one of 11 children. Miraculously, Esther is the only one of her siblings left. All of them died young from health problems which run in the family, ranging from cancer to diabetes to heart trouble. This fact is not lost on Esther, who considers herself very lucky to be alive, even as she misses her large family.

         Esther was married in 1944, when she was 21 years old. Her husband worked several jobs, including making coils for pianos and working in the stock room of a manufacturing company. Esther and her husband were very happy and had two children together, but tragedy struck when heart trouble claimed yet another person who was close to her. Esther’s husband died on June 1, 1971, leaving Esther to take care of their two children by herself.

          Now, Esther’s daughter and son, as well as her granddaughter, still live with her all these years later. Esther’s son is blind and mentally challenged, and she takes care of him. All four of them are squeezed into a single cramped two-bedroom apartment. Esther’s income of only $690 a month and her son’s disability payments of $540 are barely enough to cover their costs, especially considering Esther’s high medical bills. The burden of paying for the necessities of life falls on Esther’s daughter, who has a great deal of trouble taking care of all four of them on her limited income. Esther has survived cancer three times in her life, and also has heart trouble. She worries that her family's history of health problems will eventually catch up with her. With everything else on her plate, that’s an extra bit of stress she doesn’t need!

          Fortunately, Esther never has to worry about where her next meal will be coming from. She loves receiving non-perishables, fresh produce, hygiene products and personal items delivered to her each month, saying “I love everything you give, you’re doing beautiful!” Considering everything Esther has to contend with, she remains incredibly positive and upbeat. She enjoys taking walks with her son, and tries to keep abreast of current events by watching the news each day.

Things to Remember about Esther:

• Esther’s birthday is April 20, 1923
• Her favorite desserts are Jell-o and rainbow sherbet
• She enjoys listening to Spanish and Salsa music
• She has a monthly income of $690