Heartfelt Stories

Barbara, 79 contacted me stating she was struggling and was in need of a wheelchair and medical supplies. Until the store is open, we have a few storage units filled with donations and found her the perfect wheelchair and I picked up some basic medical supplies and food for her. The appreciation and smile on her face was more than enough for me.

 

Ruth, 92 missed her weekly beauty shop appointment — her one social outing — because she could no longer drive and had no family nearby. The non-profit’s volunteer transportation program started giving her rides once a month. Four months later, Ruth’s hairdresser told us: “She used to come in quiet and sad. Now she walks in like she owns the place, telling jokes and bringing cookies for everyone.” Ruth says simply, “Getting my hair done saved my spirit.”

 

Ron, 84 had a surgery scheduled with no family around and in need of a ride during the holidays. I told him it was no problem I’ll get you there and back. I then asked what he was doing for Christmas and he said “sitting home alone as usual”, so my sister and I brought him dinner on Christmas day. We sat so he did not eat alone and listened to all his favorite Christmas music. When we left he said that was the best dinner and company he had in a very long time.

 

Pat, 82 no longer able to drive and all her friends were passing away. She was missing her social outings and friends. I arranged to take a few of my senior clients to lunch once a month that were dealing with the same issue. Now they all look forward to our monthly outing. It’s always so rewarding to see their faces light up telling each other stories. They are waiting patiently for the senior lounge section to open within the thrift store so they can all bring their knitting, puzzles etc. and hang out together.

 

Small acts, big difference. That’s what senior non-profits do every day.

 

Stories like this happen every day—let’s keep writing them.