The Garden Island and the Zonta Club of Kaua’i are again teaming with the community to make the holidays a little happier for those in need. Every year, the community is asked to make donations to the Zonta/Garden Island Christmas
The Garden Island and the Zonta Club of Kaua’i are again teaming with the community to make the holidays a little happier for those in need.
Every year, the community is asked to make donations to the Zonta/Garden Island Christmas Fund. With the help of community agencies, Zonta Club members identify families who will not have a merry Christmas without help. Every day from now until Christmas, The Garden Island will publish stories about people who could use some assistance. The names have been changed to protect their privacy, but the stories are all actual case histories of people living on Kaua’i.
Checks and money orders may be sent to Zonta/Garden Island Christmas Fund, c/o The Garden Island, P.O. Box 231, Lihu’e HI 96766. Donations may also be dropped off at The Garden Island office at 3137 Kuhio Highway in Lihu’e during office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Because of space limitations, people are asked to refrain from bringing in used goods. Monetary donations are preferred.
Additional information is available from Rita De Silva at The Garden Island at 245-3681, ext. 241.
Gift certificate and clothes will help Karen and family
Karen, 43, is a medically fragile woman who had breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. She also suffered a stroke which left her with right-side paralysis. Because her speech is slurred, she does not like to verbally communicate with anyone but her family.
She is also diabetic on insulin and is on dialysis for end stage renal disease. All of her extremities are extremely weak and she is unable to do any personal care. She is totally dependent on her husband, Kimo, and son John.
Currently the family resides in a two-bedroom, one-bath house. She has state and HUD assistance with medical and rent. The house has five steps and Kimo carries her in and out for a ride (to get out of the house and get some fresh air), to dialysis and medical appointments. Kimo works full-time and takes Karen to dialysis and all medical appointments. John is unable to work because he must care for his mother.
Karen would greatly appreciate a gift certificate from Big Save for groceries and Wal-Mart to purchase much-needed pants and shirts, since her clothes are old and thinned-out.
Sarah could use a new recliner
Sarah, 89, lives alone in a low-income housing area. She is a widow and suffers from many ailments, especially arthritis in her hands and legs. Sarah has had many operations on her spine and has difficulty walking. With the use of a cane and walker, she is able to get around slowly.
Several years ago her daughter, 70, purchased a recliner from a local furniture store. Sarah spends most of her waking hours sitting in that recliner watching television. The recliner is showing the wear and tear from the continual use.
Because of limited income and assets, Sarah is unable to replace the recliner. Her family, although supportive emotionally and socially, is unable to contribute financially. Sarah didn’t say anything about needing a new recliner, but clearly would appreciate the comfort of a new one.
