Giving Back: The 2014 Wish List

Susan Hiller has loved and she has lost. One day her husband went to work and never came home. After suffering both a stroke and an aneurism, he passed in 1997. 

Hiller took time off of work as a clerk typist at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, a job she would later decide not to return to.

“After he died, I just couldn’t bring myself to go back,” she said. “I needed a change.”

Two years after his death Hiller decided to relocate from King County to Lewis County. She packed her belongings and moved to Mossyrock in 1999, a place she believes was picked just for her.

As her real estate agent drove her over the bridge across Lake Mayfield she knew this was the area she wanted to live in. 

“This is going to sound silly, but I think he brought me here for a reason,” Hiller said of her late husband. “I’m not sure why yet because he doesn’t let me in on that, but I have found the most wonderful support system here since I got ill.”

Before Hiller got sick, she worked as a clerk for the city of Morton for seven years. 

Hiller sits in her motorized wheelchair in her home off of Mossyrock Road as she recollects her memories. She points to a box filled with medications which she takes on a daily basis. Although her medication is covered through Medicare Part D, she has other expenses she is afraid she may not be able to pay. 

“Last winter I got $300 and $400 light bills in two months,” she said. “It can wipe me out.” 

Hiller lives alone with her companion Tabby, a well-fed, once-feral cat otherwise known as Waddles the Pom Pom Kitty. 

“She is truly a gift from God,” Hiller said of Waddles.

As part of the Area Agency on Aging’s Wish List program, seniors have the opportunity to obtain items they would otherwise not be able to get due to financial constraints or in some instances physical inability. 

Information and Assistance Specialist Seriny Kunz, of Area Agency on Aging, said the program is a good way to give back.

“It’s important to have this program to remind us that there are folks who are on services through the state for many reasons including health and medical needs that do not have a network of support help,” she said. “Without the support and generosity of our community, these folks may not get their personal needs met.” 

This year Hiller is asking for a safety “cushion,” some donated funds from the community to help her pay her electricity bill. 

“I’m asking for any kind of extra additional help so maybe I don’t have to give up eating to pay my light bill,” Hiller said in her exuberant, cheery voice. 

Her mobile home is in nice shape and the old windows have been upgraded to double pane glass, but the house is not insulated. 

“I have multiple health issues and being warm becomes a necessity. In the winter time I’m almost afraid to turn on my heat because my bills become astronomical,” Hiller said. “That would be really helpful just so I would have a cushion for when it gets real cold in the winter and I can say, ‘OK Susan, if it gets really cold you can actually turn the furnace on for two whole hours today.’”

Hiller is thankful for the Wish List program and said it is a valuable service for senior residents. Last year there were 56 participants, while this year 49 signed up for the program. She said there is a clear difference between want and need, and many of those who participate are asking out of necessity. 

Last year was the first year she participated and Hiller received a wire basket that attaches to the back of her wheelchair. The basket allows her an easier way to transport things, whether it be groceries or other supplies. She referred to the gift as a blessing. 

“We need to thank all of the people who are willing to assist simply because it shows our humanity,” Hiller said. “There are so many needs and it is so heartwarming to know that there are people out there that are more than willing to be able to give. Many times they can’t give a lot, but these people together can supply something for someone that truly, truly needs something.”

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The 2014 Wish List

Client 1 is a man in his late 50s. He has physical disabilities which keep him homebound. He lives in a rural part of Lewis County which makes coming into town a little challenging. He would like assistance with a reacher, twin electric blanket and Folgers Classic or Medium Roast coffee.  

Client 2 is a 35-year-old female who lives with her two minor children. She lives on a fixed income and has several medical issues including diabetes. She wishes for a Magic Bullet blender, heating blanket, and bath and dish towel sets.

Client 3 is a woman in her mid-50s who has severe tremors from her medical conditions. She lives alone and is on a limited income. She wishes for slippers (size 8) and a night gown (size XL).

Client 4 is a woman in her early 50s who lives with her spouse in wast Lewis County. She has chronic pain syndrome along with some other medical issues. Their only source of heat is wood in the winter. She would like assistance with wood.  

Client 5 is a woman in her early 60s who lives alone and suffered a stroke leaving her with left side paralysis. She received a hospital bed but it needs a new twin size hospital bed mattress.  

Client 6 is a 62-year-old woman who has impaired vision and other medical conditions. She lives with her young adult son on a limited income. She wishes for a full-size bed set (prefers pink color), new pillows, bath towel set, and cat food/cat litter (prefers Arm and Hammer brand).

Client 7 is a woman in her early 60s who has several medical conditions including arthritis.  She lives alone with her little dog on a limited income. She wishes for a pair of slip-on slippers w/padding (size 8), and full-size sheet set for her bed (prefers purple).  

Client 8 is a gentleman in his late 60s who lives alone with his dog. He has several medical conditions including Parkinson’s. He is on a limited income and wishes for a small paper shredder, an office chair, and a 25-pound bag of grain-free dry dog food.

Client 9 is a 59-year-old man who has several health issues. He is on a limited income and loves his furry companion. He wishes for a bag of corn-free and grain-free (due to allergies) dog food, bath/hand towels (prefers blue or purple), boxers/briefs (size XL), and pocket T-shirts (size 3X).

Client 10 is a man in his late 60s who lives with his wife and has several medical conditions.  They are living on a limited income and are caring for their grandson. He would like assistance with twin size hospital bed flannel sheets (prefers blue), bag of dry Kibbles n’ Bits dog food, Alpo variety pack wet dog food, and Walmart gift card for a holiday meal. 

Client 11 is a woman in her late 50s who lives alone on a limited income. She has speech impairment due to her medical conditions and has a hard time communicating to get her needs met. She wishes for a bath towel set (prefers light blue color).

Client 12 is a 59-year-old man living alone. He is an amputee and has several medical issues including diabetes. He uses a wheelchair and has difficulties reaching light fixtures. He wishes for a desk lamp with a clamp, and some extra light bulbs for the desk lamp so that he is able to reach and operate the lighting in his living room and bathroom.  

Client 13 is a woman in her 70s who lives alone. Her only source of heat besides her space heater in the bathroom is wood. She would love help with some wood for the cold winter months. 

Client 14 is a veteran who lives alone, is an amputee and lives on a limited income. He wishes for a phone in his bedroom to be able to call for help.  

Client 15 is a woman in her 60s who lives alone with her cat. She has medical conditions relating to her heart and lungs. She is requesting assistance with her PUD bill.  

Client 16 is an elderly woman who lives alone with her dog. She is on a limited income and struggles each month to purchase basic supplies. She wishes for a full-size blanket for her bed, women’s socks, and hand towels for the bathroom and kitchen, Walmart gift card for the basic supplies along with dry dog food. 

Client 17 is a woman in her 60s who lives alone with her dog. She is on a limited income and needs help each month with basic supplies. She would like a smoke detector for her apartment along with a gift card to Walmart for a holiday meal. 

Client 18 is a man in his early 70s who has cerebral palsy and lives alone with his cat. He would appreciate assistance with his medication cream that he cannot afford. He wishes for 12 four-ounce tubes or a case of Medline brand calazime zinc oxide protection paste (www.shopmedline.com). 

Client 19 is a woman in her 40s who has several medical conditions including some neurological issues. She is caring for her minor child. She is on a limited income and would love assistance with a gift card to Walmart for a holiday meal for herself and daughter. 

Client 20 is a mother who lives with her young teenage son. She is disabled and would like a new quad cane to assist her with walking, along with a Walmart gift card for a holiday meal for herself and her son. 

Client 21 is a man in his 40s who lives alone and has had a traumatic brain injury. He has not been able to work and is living on a limited income. He would like a Safeway gift card for a holiday meal.

Client 22 is a woman in her 50s who lives alone with her two cats. She is legally blind and is in need of some basic household items. She wishes for a standard size pillow, bath towels, cat food/litter and flea treatment for both of her cats. 

Client 23 is a woman in her 60s who lives on a fixed income. She has several medical conditions relating to her heart and lungs. She has a wood porch that is rotting and would like the rotting boards to be replaced. She is seeking assistance for someone to come and look at her porch to help her replace the boards so she can enter her home safely.

Client 24 is a 56-year-old man who lives alone. He has a medical condition that reduces flexibility and strength in his limbs. He wishes for dark blue or grey sweatpants (size 3X) and a Walmart gift card for a holiday meal.

Client 25 is a woman in her 60s who lives with her husband who has severe heart problems.  She has several medical conditions including multiple sclerosis. She would like assistance with her power bill, house coat (size 2XL or 3XL), also a Walmart gift card for a holiday meal. 

Client 26 is a woman in her 60s who lives alone. She has several medical conditions including managing her diabetes. She is on a limited income and wishes for all kinds of cleaning supplies. She would also like a Shop‘n Kart gift card for a holiday meal. 

Client 27 is a woman in her late 70s who lives alone with her cat. She is requesting help with the purchase of two pairs of TED hose (nude color, size L, compression 20-30 from Halls) to help with her severe edema.  

Client 28 is a woman in her 50s who lives with her minor grandson. She has had a stroke and is requesting assistance for blue sweatpants (size XL), sweater and a coat (size 16-18), and a Walmart gift card for a holiday meal for herself and her grandson. 

Client 29 is a 63-year-old woman who lives alone with her cat. She is diabetic and has heart and lung medical issues. She has the strength to clean her home, but cannot afford the cleaning products. She wishes for some cleaning supplies, dry cat food, and a Walmart gift card for a holiday meals and staples.  

Client 30 is a man who manages his diabetes along with other health issues. He lives with his young daughter on a limited income. He wishes for a Kmart gift card along with a Walmart gift card for a holiday meal for himself and his daughter. 

Client 31 is a 74-year-old woman who is living on a limited income. She has several medical issues that she is trying to manage. She wishes for a new hospital bed mattress. 

Client 32 is a woman in her late 60s who is on a limited income and lives alone. She suffers from several medical conditions that limit her ability to do many activities. She uses her wheelchair to get around. She would like a Walmart gift card to help with basic staple necessities and a holiday meal.

Client 33 is a woman in her 60s who lives on a limited income. She has several medical conditions that limit her ability to do many activities. She lives alone and would appreciate any assistance during the holiday. She wishes for a Walmart gift card for basic necessities. 

Client 34 is a woman in her late 60s who lives alone. She has several medical conditions including the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She would like to find games that will exercise her brain in hopes of improving her memory. She wishes for handheld memory games, a houseplant and Walmart gift card.

Client 35 is a woman in her early 60s who suffers from renal failure. She lives alone and would like to be able to listen to music and possibly play old cassette tapes she has. She wishes for a stereo boom box w/cassette player or a Walmart gift card towards one. 

Client 36 is a woman in her 70s who lives alone. She does not have family in the area and suffers from several medical conditions that limit her ability to do many activities. She rescues cats in her area that are in need of a home. She would like assistance with Purina “Complete” Cat Chow and a Walmart gift card.

Client 37 is a 51-year-old woman who is on a limited income and lives alone. She suffers from several medical conditions including seizure disorder. She wishes for a pillow for her bed and Walmart gift card for basic necessities.

Client 38 is a 72-year-old breast cancer survivor who is on a fixed income and lives alone.  She also has other medical conditions that she is managing. She would like a Home Depot gift card.

Client 39 is a woman in her 60s who has several health issues that limit her ability to do many activities. She wishes for a gift card to Walmart for basic necessities and a holiday meal. 

Client 40 is a 97-year-old woman who has several health issues, including a lower back fracture, that limit her ability to do many activities. She lives alone and wishes for a large size magnifying glass and a Walmart gift card.

Client 41 is a woman in her 80s who lives alone. She has several medical conditions including macular degeneration. She remains in her home but it is difficult for her to ambulate. She enjoys looking out her window at the birds. She wishes for some bird seed for her flying friends as they give her joy daily.

Client 42 is a woman in her 70s who is living alone on a limited income. She would like some assistance with her heating costs for the winter months. 

Client 43 is a 75-year-old woman who lives alone on a limited income. She has several health conditions that limit her ability to do many activities. She wishes for a coffee maker, juicer and small radio with clock.

Client 44 is a 91-year-old woman who lives alone and has multiple health issues. Her declining health has prompted her doctor to put her on some nutritional supplement. She wishes for Ensure Nutritional Supplements (vanilla or strawberry) and Shop’n Kart gift card. 

Client 45 is a woman who lives on a limited income. She wishes for a Shop’n Kart gift card for a holiday meal, antifreeze for her car, and wiper blades for a 1993 Dodge Intrepid. 

Client 46 is a woman who is in her 60s living on a limited income. She would like to be able to enjoy a holiday meal and wishes for a Shop’n Kart gift card for a holiday meal.

Client 47 is a 65-year-old woman who lives alone and is on a limited income. She has several health issues that limit her ability to do many activities. Due to her health issues, she would like assistance with Ensure Nutritional Shakes (chocolate).

Client 48 is a woman in her 50s who lived with her husband until he suffered a stroke. Her husband is in a rehabilitation center 80 miles away and she would like assistance with a gas card to be able to go back and forth to visit him

Client 49 is a gentleman in his 60s who lives alone on a limited income. He has several health issues including arthritis. He is requesting assistance with glucosamine chondroitin supplements and TED Hose through Halls Pharmacy.