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The Angel's Depot Celebrates Distributing Food for
256,242 Senior Meals in 24 Months!
Bob's Story
Their stories are all too familiar to the staff at The Angel's Depot and to those in the business of providing services to San Diego County seniors. It is a well kept secret that an estimated 50,000 brave, quiet, older Americans live below poverty in San Diego County.
Bob loves his country and proudly tells you he was in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict where he was an air plane mechanic and electrician. He also served in the Air National Guard. Now, he spends most of his time volunteering at the Oceanside Senior Center, helping his friends and the staff who report that "Bob does everything!"
Bob grew up on a farm in Minnesota. After the service, he tried farming for a few years, worked for Coca-Cola and was a postal worker until he injured his back. Later, he did light lawn maintenance for schools. Now he enjoys spending time with grandchildren, the beach is one of their favorite spots to play. Bob is grateful for his food box. "I've been blessed in my life," Bob says.
Although he lives on about $900 per month, he finds a way to bring joy into the lives of many.
Ramona's Story
Over 70% of the seniors who receive "Senior Food- for-a-Week" Meal Boxes are women whose income died with their husbands. Most are too old or are physically unable to work. They have no prospects for help. They are proud and do not easily share their troubles.
Ramona is 74 years old and her income is $832; her rent is $710. She loves the American flag she proudly displays on her wheelchair and she loves her little dog "Hulk."
Her monthly "Senior Food-for-a-Week" box, containing 21 meals, from The Angel's Depot means food security and survival.
Ramona is a native of San Bernardino. In her younger days, Ramona was a jazz dancer. Later, she was employed at a factory assembling control panels for guided missles. She is disabled now. Ramona loves to read "who done it" books. She reads a lot because she can not afford cable television. The Joslyn Escondido Senior Center is where she spends much of her time. They provide meals, services and company for her. She relies on their shuttle bus for transportation.
Ramona has 3 daughters, and like many seniors living in poverty, she rarely hears from her family.