'Ma' raised 5 children after their mother died

Every day until Christmas, the El Paso Times will profile families helped through Operation Noel and the Senior Fund.

• This 88-year-old senior raised five children when their mother died and says they proudly call her “Ma.” She was raised by her older sister because her mother died when she was born. She could use hearing aids.
• This 76-year-old senior says having his children and seven grandchildren are the best moments of his life. He wishes he could interact with them more, but is hard of hearing. He could use new hearing aids.
• Spending holidays with the family are the best memories for this 76-year-old widow. She says she would love to better hear her grandchildren talk and joke around. She could use assistance for hearing aids.

For more than 20 years, the El Paso Times Senior Fund has distributed more than $2.5 million to support the needs of older adults referred to the Area Agency on Aging. Many seniors request hearing aids and dental assistance that are not typically covered through other government social services.

The Senior Fund, a charity of the El Paso Times in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging, helps low-income senior citizens year-round get basic services. Send donations to the El Paso Times Senior Fund, 500 W. Overland Ave., Suite 150, El Paso, TX 79901. Information: 533-0998, ext. 116.