Woman in her 80's pushing carts at Safeway in 11 degree weather!?

Question

Every time I see this tiny hunched over elderly woman doing work a young person should be doing my heart breaks. I tried to figure out if she was working still because she had to or if she did it to stay active? I found out the worst...it was because she had to. Her daughter works in the video dept and had brain surgery, they are stacked with medical bills so the whole family works to pay it off. My heart broke when I found that out. Yesterday I was at Safeway getting a couple items and saw her pushing carts, it was 11 degrees out!! She had no coat or gloves on! Her daughter ran up to her and rubbed her hands and gently pushed back her hair and hugged her. I swear I almost cried looking at that! I went over and hugged the elderly woman. She welcomed it and held my hand I wanted so much to just make everything better, pay off their bills etc. I don't have a lot of money but what could my family do for their family for Christmas, something that would really make a difference?

Answer 1

You could consider purchasing a good quality coat and gloves, even if you do so at a second hand shop. If you have them drycleaned and wrap them nicely, they would be perfectly acceptable.

You might even put two scarves or two pairs of gloves, in different colours, so she has a change, or can give one to the daughter (don't let on that this is your intent).

Present them to her personally, and tell her it is to thank her for her good work, in keeping the area free of car and ankle destroying trolleys. Let her know her work is appreciated and that you value it.

Don't mention her personal situation, as praise for her work is a matter of self pride, but charity may rob her of her dignity.

She sounds like a great woman!

Another thing you can do is keep in touch, and ask her for something ~ such as to collect unbroken cardboard boxes for you. You could say you need them for some purpose (e.g., making mulch for the garden). That then gives you a reason to give her the occasional bag of apples, or small box of chocs to say 'thanks'.

Allowing people, especially hard working ones like this lady, to keep their dignity is very important.

Before giving her anything, try and strike up the occasional conversation with her, so she 'knows' you, and you are not seen as just some interfering stranger.

Good luck and best wishes with this. Charity really does begin at home ~ you have a kind and generous heart to have noticed this and cared enough to act.

Cheers :-)

Answer 2

I can never understand why people have to be put through this kind of thing. Like Tynkah has said, make people aware of people in this situation so you can enlist the help of others by donating and helping out. The only time it seems people help others is when there is a huge disaster. This old lady's family's plight is just as big and as important as any huge disaster. The whole family is struggling that an 80yr old woman is out in freezing weather when she should be tucked up in the warm. You could also just buy a few cans or offer her some groceries to take home, it may not be alot but its something to help her know someone cares.

Answer 3

maybe you could help organize a charity drive where people from the local neighboorhood or church can put together donations or gift baskets for the family; maybe they can donate clothing, food or other essentials.

Maybe you could convince a local insurance company or bank to donate money to pay off the morgate on their home or help pay the medical bills.

Maybe you could help her find a better job where she won't have to stand outside in 11 degree weather... Or you could buy her a coat and gloves.

Answer 4

once you're interior the wonderful section, you are able to tan at 60 or 50 degree climate... Odds are regardless of the undeniable fact that, your pores and skin should not be uncovered to the sunlight at those levels. UV oftentimes grows stronger because of the fact the sunlight gets warmer, even regardless of the undeniable fact that, in distinctive areas of the international the place the ozone layer is thinner, greater UV gets by way of and you are able to burn much less confusing. For unproven occasion, interior the 1950's human beings must be exterior for fairly some time without being burnt, yet at the instant, it takes approximately 15-30 minutes of direct exposure to burn on some skins. sure, you are able to definately tan in 80 degree climate.

Answer 5

Have you considered getting in touch with a local radio or T.V. station - or a local newspaper?
They love true stories of this kind at Christmas time.
And their publicity could cause lots of people to make a small contribution to the family...or one wealthy person to step in and take care of the medical bills.
Just be certain that you have all of the facts straight and a way for the media to contact her.

Answer 6

Such a sad story.Does Safeway make holiday meals at christmas? Maybe your family could order them one.That is a kind thing to do and share.If not maybe a gift card for the store that she works at.(I am assuming this is a grocery store,if its not, sorry).
How about a coat,hat, and gloves for her?
The saddest thing is that people who really need help rarely ask for it.

Answer 7

Pool some money and you could either gift cash, or buy something that will be used and pay in kind, like maybe some winter clothes or other items. You could also collect items from your own home that are in good condition but which you don't use and gift that.

Yeah, it is really heartbreaking to see that. She certainly deserves some rest and comfort.

Answer 8

Why don't you organize a fund raiser. What about hosting a spaghetti dinner, chicken and noodles dinner, etc. at a local school or church? You could get others that work with her to help participate in the organization. What about donating her name at the local food bank so that she receives a Christmas basket or clothing donation? What about buying her a warm coat, hat, mittens, etc. for Christmas?

Answer 9

aww! that is so sad! you could use up a weekend collecting money ,food and clothing for a chirstmas hamper for them! next time you see the lady give her the box. im so glad you are helping out. you could even donate some blankets and gloves and OVIOUSLY a jacket! the poor little lady!

Answer 10

Give her a coat, gloves, hat, etc. Even if they are used ones of yours. They would be very welcomed, I'm sure. Unfortunately, there are lots of families in similar situations. We should all count our blessings!