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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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One of the saddest things about growing older is having to
cope not only
your own physical and mental deterioration, but the
deterioration of those close to you. Many seniors could attest to the fact
that they see their friends and family less and less as they grow older, and
eventually start to lose them to illness and old age. This can make growing
old truly lonely. Many of the seniors in our Senior Citizen Project have
experienced similar happenings in their lives.
77-year-old
Stanford has had a very turbulent
time in this regard. Stanford’s troubles
only strengthen our resolve to continue to ease the effects of poverty on
his life. We are thankful to you for empowering us to do this, and we wanted
to share some information on him with you.
Stanford grew up in
Indiana, but moved to Chicago in the 1960s for a job. He worked at an
engineering employment agency and met his wife, Angie, who worked at the
same building, in the elevator. The two began talking while riding the
elevator, kept on talking right through lunch, and, before they knew it,
their friendship turned into a romance, and they were married. The couple had
three children together, but, sadly, their children have had many problems to
deal with. One of their sons has mental difficulties, and lives with Stanford
to this day, unable to find steady work. Their daughter is manic-depressive,
and her three children lived with Stanford and Angie until they were put
into a
foster home a few years ago. Family life has not always been easy for Stanford.
Stanford has faced some
major setbacks. First of all, Angie, who suffered from manic depression and
Parkinson’s disease, had to go to a nursing home. Stanford understands that
it’s for the best. Angie’s health and mental well-being had deteriorated
until they decided that she needed round-the-clock care. Angie is doing well in
the nursing home, but Stanford misses having the love of his life around all
the time. Stanford was also in a serious car accident which put him in the
hospital. With his medical bills already running him several thousand
dollars for his back and foot problems, more trips to the hospital was not
something Stanford needed. To top it all off, his apartment complex
discontinued as a section 8 building, which meant that Stanford and his son
were forced to move. Suffice to say, it has been difficult for Stanford.
Fortunately, we
have been able to help Stanford through his difficult times. We helped him
move into a new apartment that is still section 8, and thus fits his limited
budget better. We have also continued to deliver gifts for Angie to Stanford,
which he takes to her each month when he visits. Stanford has a lot to
contend with in his everyday life, but he says that the deliveries of food he
receives from HSP are invaluable, and that he enjoys and eats all the food
he receives. We feel privileged to be able to bring comfort to Stanford as
his life becomes more and more difficult. Our thanks goes out to you, for
joining with us to bring comfort to this man who needs us so much right now.
Things to Remember about Stanford:
• Stanford’s birthday is July 23, 1932.
• He is a history buff and dreams of being a history teacher, even though
he’s in his 70s!
• He enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
• He likes to read biographies.
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