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Humanitarian Service Project volunteers brighten lives of students, senior citizens; school supply drive under way

  • September 20, 2011 at 12:10 am

Do it among its many volunteer opportunities, Humanitarian Service Project is reaching out to secure school supplies and find people to drop off the monthly delivery of food that helps keep seniors in their homes. recently added is a Meal of the Month Club that lifts spirits with the arrival of a special meal. this year, the number of students in need of school supplies has climbed, says Paul Yambrovich, community outreach coordinator for HSP, which lists needed items on its website. “There is such an overwhelming need that we’re hearing from the community, that we will keep the school supply drive going through at least October,” he says. “As a privately-funded charity, we’re trying to do as much as we can. (If) you put on your own drive, … we’ll get it distributed.” Whom it helps the organization, which assists children, families and seniors in need across Kane and DuPage counties, last year provided 273,000 pounds of food and gifts. Each month, 120 seniors receive a delivery of 90 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meats and varied breads, along with household and paper products. other programs include birthday and holiday projects for children. Originally founded by Karole and Floyd Kettering in a bedroom of their Wheaton home, HSP has grown steadily in the last three decades. How to help Another way to lend a hand is the Secret Pal program, which matches volunteers with seniors for whom they purchase a small gift each month, costing $5 to $25, says Yambrovich, noting the wish list might be anything from lotion to replacing a broken toaster or purchasing a subscription to a magazine the senior loves, but can no longer afford. For the Meal of the Month Club, a volunteer can provide a home-cooked meal or purchase a favorite restaurant dish. Yambrovich shares comments from seniors in the program, including Christiana W. “I really love it,” she says. “I’ve never seen anything like it. People come home from work and cook, cook, cook for me. It’s all been delicious. one volunteer, for Valentine’s Day, even brought me a valentine. it was so sweet, it made me cry. now I have something to look forward to every month.” and Maria B. adds, “the volunteers are so nice. I appreciate it so much. it makes me feel like someone cares.” Volunteers can opt to donate money, sort and package donated foods, help prepare gifts or put on toy and food drives.

Humanitarian Service Project volunteers brighten lives of students, senior citizens; school supply drive under way

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