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After losing her husband and child, a woman gets back on her feet

Editor's note: The Time is Now to Help was founded by a local businessman who knew extreme poverty as a child. With the help of donations from the community, The Time is Now is able to help local residents in need.

Dear W.C., I am a senior citizen living on my own.

I have outlived my spouse and children and do not have any contact with other family members. I receive a Social Security check that barely covers my rent and utilities.

I am thankful for my daily meal from Meals on Wheels. If it weren't for them, I would not have any hot meals or visitors.

I usually eat half my meal for lunch and the other half for dinner. I can't afford any other food.

The reason I am writing is because I cannot seem to pay my utility bills, even though I use the bare minimum of electricity and gas. I am sorry, but

I have fallen behind and they are threatening to shut everything off. They will no longer take what little money I offer. I have applied for energy assistance, but I am on a waiting list.

I seem to spend my days filling out papers and making phone calls to keep the assistance I need. I am not as sharp as I used to be after a slight stroke. The fear of living in the dark has me crying from the time I get up until I cry myself to sleep.

An overwhelmed senior

Dear readers, This is one of the many letters I receive from senior citizens. It is a rough time to be elderly or disabled and living on a fixed income. This woman applied for the services needed, but still was not receiving adequate care, living in a modest place as frugally as possible. Her spouse passed away from cancer several years ago. Both children had died many years ago, one as an adult in a motorcycle accident and the other from an illness as a child. The loss of their last child caused the spouse to grieve endlessly. We went through her bills and sorted out what needed to be paid. I suggested alternative home-care ideas to pursue. We assisted with past-due utilities and paid some into the future. I contacted a neighbor I knew, who volunteered to drive to the food pantry. After the first visit, they were pleasantly surprised how nice everyone was at the food pantry. This helped remove their anxiety about going. We discussed other available services. I left the house feeling sad for the many losses and health struggles, but happy that we had made a big difference. We removed her fear of being alone, provided much-needed help with day-to-day necessities and networked with caring volunteers. Together, we helped create a better life for someone.

Health and happiness, God Bless, W.C.

The Time Is Now to Help is happy to announce its sixth annual Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust $30,000 matching grant. Driehaus has found it in his heart to graciously help the many living in poverty.

His faith in our organization drives us all to make a positive change in the lives of those less fortunate: the children, elderly and handicapped - fellow Americans who have fallen on hard times. Richard's inspiration and generosity make it the perfect time to make a donation of any amount, knowing it will be matched dollar for dollar.

A special thank you to: Martin O'Brien, James and Janice Batten, William and Sandra Blaesing, Frank and Diane Caldario, Ruth Dean Przewoznik, Margarie Egger, Marvin and Audrey Hersko, Ellen Flanagan, Lu Schinke, Joseph and Jacque Moser, John and Vickie Geier, Albert and Ellen Burnell, Jim and Marilynn Dyer, Drescher Family Charitable Foundation, W.C. Family Resource Center/Food Pantry volunteers, Paper Dolls, Michael and Sue Borden, Dick and Jean Honeyager, Bill and Lois McEssy.