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Sandra Wilberding's Omaha apartment reflects a cheery, hard-working life.
She would still be working, she says, if osteoporosis, arthritis and a fractured hip hadn't interfered. She worked steadily for 41 years but couldn't save much to supplement Social Security and Medicaid.
“I pay $495 (a month) here for rent,” says Wilberding, 69. A caregiver assists her weekly, and a woman helps clean the apartment every other week. In between, “I try to keep it up as good as I can.”
Wilberding will be one of many Midlanders to receive a food voucher this year from The World-Herald's Goodfellows program, which she learned about through Heartland Family Services.
Pictures of her nine nieces and nephews share her apartment with her cat, bird, dolls, figurines and stuffed animals. “When their kids were little, I'd say, ‘Sit down and have Aunt Sandy take your picture.'”
The Iowa native loved volunteering for political campaigns and events at St. Peter Catholic Church. She would mind Summer Arts Festival booths so artists could eat lunch.
Though she now must use a walker or cane, “I thank God for the health I have and my precious family and friends.”
Contact the writer: 444-1304, [email protected]
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