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Neighbor seeks help for elderly couple next door

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 worried about my neighbors. I have lived next to them my whole life. I love them both like grandparents. I used to cut their grass and help them with their grocery shopping, but for the last few months, they have begun to act strange. When I was a child they, used to always bring us over plates of cookies, muffins or cakes. They taught me how to ride my bike with no training wheels. They showed me how to plant flowers and how to mow the lawn. As they became older, I noticed they were having a hard time keeping up with their yard work, so I started to mow their lawn whenever I did ours. When I was through my neighbor would always give me $5 and some fresh-baked treats. I didn’t want the money, but they insisted. Lately, I noticed they are mowing their own lawn again. When I knocked on their door to ask if I could help, they wouldn’t let me in and said they were fine. They didn’t need my help. I noticed they are not grocery shopping on their usual day anymore. They followed the same schedule for years, so this is very unusual for them. They also leave almost all their lights off. I am just so worried that something is wrong. I think they are too embarrassed to tell me they can’t pay me anymore to mow their lawn. I do not want to be paid for that anyway. I just want them to be OK. Could you please check on them W.C.?

Dear readers,

When I paid a visit to this senior couple, they were very surprised to find me at their door. They were regular readers of The Time Is Now to Help column when they used to buy a newspaper. They said they hadn’t been able to buy a newspaper for quite some time.

They asked me how I knew they were in trouble. I told them a very concerned angel had written to me on their behalf. This brought tears to their eyes. They knew immediately who that concerned angel must be.

They then talked about the special bond they had with the child next door as they watched that child grow up. They said how they always felt like this person was their own grandchild. I later found out they had lost their only child to a drunken driver.

When I asked if the young person’s concern was well-founded, they hung their heads in despair and embarrassment. It seems the elderly gentleman had lost his pension. They truly needed that extra amount to get by. They were no longer able to afford to buy enough food or pay for anything extra.

They did not use their window air-conditioner even though it was extremely hot and humid the day I visited. I could not imagine how they could live in such heat at their age. I convinced them that The Time Is Now to Help would pay their utility bill for this month and the following. I made them promise to turn on the air-conditioning if it was hot outside.

I made my usual request to look around their kitchen. I found only enough food for a few small, simple meals. They had been living on dry cereal, soup, and noodles. It is so heart breaking to find so little food at 70 percent of the visits I do. A year ago, maybe 35 percent of the homes I went into had empty cupboards; now nearly all the cupboards and refrigerators I open are empty.

Paying rent and mortgage payments are the first thing on everyone’s list to prevent homelessness. The fear of no shelter drives our fellow Americans to hunger, darkness, and living without heat or air-conditioning due to trying to limit their utility bill or, worse yet, the utilities are already disconnected.

After checking for food, and finding so little, I turned to look at both of them. The elderly man was slouched over in the kitchen chair with his head in his hands. His wife of many years sat next to him with one hand on his back, and the other wiping the tears from her face.

I told them I had their neighbor grandchild waiting to go eat with them. They looked a little shocked at first, but I got them up and ready to go. All four of us went out for a good meal. I watched their bond with their young friend become even closer.

I gave them several grocery gift certificates and gas vouchers so they could afford to get some food immediately. I told them about the W.C. Food Pantry and they promised to pay them a visit.

I also reminded them how their neighbors wanted to help. After all the years they had spent teaching the child next door as the parents worked, all the years they had brought over a pie or casserole, the neighbors wanted to help them now. They were happy to mow their grass, help them with groceries and do a household chore. It was time to let them, and us, repay the years of kindness. They tearfully accepted the offer of assistance.

Now, not only are they living better on a fixed income, they also are happy for the help and company. Thanks to all of your caring and sharing, and a neighbor’s love, we were able to greatly improve the lives of this senior couple.

Please take advantage of Richard Driehaus’ matching grant. Every dollar you donate will be matched by Driehaus, doubling your donation. At this time, we have many requests for assistance. Please help.

Health and happiness, God Bless Everyone, W.C.

A very special thank you: Paper Dolls, Douglas Thorp, Kim Olsen, Mary Cucchi, Heidi Hall, Lisa Loepke, Diane Palma, Joan Rietz, James & Janice Batten, Ron & Carolyn Bloch, Eileen Walsh Grzenia, Martin O’Brien, Drescher Family Charitable Foundation, W.C. Family Resource Center/Food Pantry volunteers, Michael and Sue Borden, Dick and Jean Honeyager, Bill and Lois McEssy, all of you who support The Time Is Now to Help donation boxes and the businesses that allow our donation boxes. Anyone who would like a Time Is Now donation box in your business, please call (262) 249-7000.