Help From The Heart: Local Adopt A Grandparent, Senior Program

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A local nonprofit and a local Patch Hero are making sure senior citizens and families across Lake County are getting the groceries and necessities they need during the coronavirus pandemic. In an email to Patch, Our Shining Stars Foundation member Sistar Cole said the 501 c3 nonprofit usually provides clothes, emergency food items, toys, school supplies and more to community members. However, since the coronavirus pandemic hit, members shifted their focus towards vulnerable senior citizens and families, providing hot meals, free groceries, toiletries, masks, household cleaners, hand sanitizer and books, Sistar told Patch.

Our Shining Stars Foundation also started the Adopt a Grandparent/Senior Program because they know many local seniors who can't make it to the food pantries or stores due to being high risk. Founder and local Patch Hero Latrisha Cole started a fundraiser so she can go out and shop for the seniors, including shopping based on specific dietary needs and deliver, Sistar told Patch.

"We have been shopping daily for toiletries, food, and household products throughout Lake County," Sistar said, in an email to Patch. "We have served Zion, Waukegan, Gurnee, North Chicago and Winthrop Harbor, thus far. With the COVID-19 and price gouging, items have been inflated. This means it will take more of a donation to cover basic groceries and household supplies. $100 barely scratches the surface anymore. We are politely asking for your generous donations of items or funds."

Sistar added that milk, bread, butter, and two meats are $20; household items, cleaning supplies, toiletries, hygiene products are $60.

"This is not enough for a week especially with larger families," Sistar wrote. "Please consider donating. No amount is too small."

Sistar added that they do understand food pantries exist, but most of the families cannot utilize their services without transportation.

"We have been delivering to the families to ensure they have a meal. Let's come together for our communities."

There is also a team of volunteers who are each doing wellness checks and helping with delivery and sorting of items, Sistar said, adding that they also have members of their youth group doing yard work to continue to buy groceries.

Since March, Latrisha has been delivering food and items to more than 500 seniors and families weekly throughout Lake County, with the highest need in North Chicago, Sistar told Patch. They are still in need of donations and nonperishable items to continue serving the community.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Grayslake area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Here's how you can help support them, according to an email to Patch from Sistar:

Who they're raising money for:

The foundation is raising funds for the seniors and grandparents who need essential items and basic services. "Due to the coronavirus they are limited to getting what is necessary in a timely fashion. Some are unable to come out at all. This is why your help is greatly needed."

Why they're raising money:

The local seniors need hand soap, bleach, laundry detergent, dental hygiene products, hand sanitizer, non perishable food items, toiletries, basic hygiene products, and gloves. Other needs include kitchen towels, bath towels, dish soaps, lotions, denture creams and tablets, first aid products, cleaning supplies, Kleenex, and puzzle books. The group will be shopping for them as needed to minimize their exposure to the virus.

How donations will be used:

The elderly are the most vulnerable generation as well as those disabled and with autoimmune disorders, Sistar told Patch. "Help us help our loved ones in Lake County with cost of medications to help with prevention of sickness. Help offset living expenses as some may be struggling with out of pocket expenses for clinics, testing, transportation."

Related: Local Patch Hero From Zion Shops For '500 Seniors And Families'

Sistar and the foundation asked that if you can find it in your hearts to help the forgotten generation please consider. "At this critical time they need to feel this outpouring of love and support. Your donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support."

• Bronze sponsorship $50
• Silver sponsorship $250
• Gold sponsorship $500
• Platinum sponsorship $1000

To donate and/or for more information: Visit the Senior/Grandparents Care Packages Facebook page, email sistarlcole@gmail.com or call 224-733-9320 to donate

Stay Connected While Staying Home: Share your comments, concerns and questions with your neighbors on Grayslake Patch!