KOSEY CORNER
It could be billed as Tuesday at Tischler’s but it is really part of a new shopping program put together by PeopleCare, an agency located in Riverside that supports and gives assistance to homebound elderly residents of the area.
According to Bruce Jablonski, associate director of PeopleCare, the shopping program in conjunction with The British Home in Brookfield, provides shopping excursions for PeopleCare clients twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Using the British Home bus and accompanied by two caregivers, shoppers are taken to different stores to shop or just to get together and out of the house. With Tuesday being Tischler day, Thursdays may find the bus pulling up to Riverside Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s, or any other store of interest.
According to Jablonski, some of the shoppers aren’t on the excursion just for shopping; it has become a time to catch up with friends from the previous week.
Serving people from Brookfield, North Riverside, Riverside and Lyons the shopping program is free. Approximately 40 people make use of the service each week.
The shopping program is only one of the services provided by PeopleCare. Other services for the homebound elderly include driving them to medical appointments as well as simply visiting clients at their homes to provide them company.
PeopleCare, started by Helen Jablonski – whose age I will not reveal but whose energy would put many of us to shame – has a longstanding history of assisting people. She started the organization when it became obvious there was a need for such services and there was nothing locally.
Staffed by volunteers PeopleCare is always in need of people willing to give time to help drive or serve in some other capacity. Time commitments may be as little as an hour a month.
For more information on PeopleCare, its services, shopping program or to volunteer contact Bruce Jablonski at 442-1223 or visit their Web site at www.peoplecareinc.org.
As one who likes to shop, it is very comforting to know that there will always be a way I can shop, whether it’s for groceries, something for myself or a gift. Since you may be the one on my gift list, you should be happy also.
