Volunteer Delivery Drivers

The Humanitarian Service Project

Senior Citizen Project

Marilyn

Receiving Groceries Since 2005

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

         Marilyn was born on February 18, 1929, and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with one sister. She has lived in Bensenville for the past 16 years. Sadly, she tells us that she has lost two husbands she loved very much, her sister, and both her parents. Her first marriage gave her 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 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 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.

Things to remember about Marilyn:

•   Her birthday is February 18, 1929.

• She loves to read historical novels.

• Her favorite color is blue.

• Her favorite flower is the yellow rose.