Trudy Handleman, a remarkable 102-year-old woman from Iowa, celebrated her birthday in a way that touched the hearts of her community. Instead of traditional festivities, she requested 102 canned goods to be collected and donated to a local food pantry. The response exceeded expectations, with over 400 items generously given by her neighbors and friends. Grateful for the overwhelming support, Handleman, residing at Quartet Senior Living, took an active role in delivering the collected goods to the Friendly House Food Pantry in Davenport. Her desire to be part of the final step in ensuring the donations reached those in need showcased her genuine commitment to making a positive impact.
The Friendly House Food Pantry, which serves the community by providing essential services like affordable childcare, senior and family support, shelter, food pantry access, and tax filing assistance, greatly benefited from Handleman’s initiative. The pantry typically supports 65-100 families each month, and Trudy’s donation will make a significant difference, potentially assisting up to 30 families. Handleman’s belief in the power of caring and the impact of even small gestures resonates, inspiring others to join in and support those facing challenges in their community. As she wisely notes, “It’s more fun to give than to receive,” a sentiment that reflects the timeless truth that the act of giving brings joy to both the giver and the recipient.
“We’ve gotten such a wonderful response. It’s been just great,” said Handleman to KWQC.
