Staff at The Garden Island newspaper and members of the Zonta Club of Kauai are again teaming up this year, and asking members of the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/The Garden Island
Staff at The Garden Island newspaper and members of the Zonta Club of Kauai are again teaming up this year, and asking members of the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/The Garden Island Christmas Fund.
Most people look forward each year to the merriment and cheer of the holiday season, but there are far too many residents who barely make ends meet every day.
From now through Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, The Garden Island will share stories of families who could use a little holiday cheer, along with an appeal for monetary donations of any size. The names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Funds raised will be distributed to needy families by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make these simple wishes come true.
Because of logistical limitations, only monetary donations can be accepted. Gift certificates and used or new items, while appreciated, should not be submitted.
Checks should be written to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation 501(c)3. Donations are tax-deductible, and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, c/o Joy Miura Koerte, P.O. Box 3996, Lihu’e, HI 96766.
For more information, please contact Joy at 245-3677.
Surprise Larry and Mitzi with a holiday dinner
Larry and Mitzi are 87 and 86, respectively. They live by themselves, and depend on their son and daughter- in-law for assistance. Larry suffers from arthritis, cancer, dementia, and vision and hearing impairments.
Mitzi has diabetes and arthritis, and also has vision and hearing impairments.
A food gift certificate to assist their family in making a nice holiday dinner would be a nice surprise for Larry and Mitzi.
Life is a challenge for kupuna Kathleen and her husband
Kupuna Kathleen has arthritis, dementia, a heart problem, high blood pressure and incontinence. She uses a cane to get around. She also cares for her husband, who is bedridden, but, having dementia, caring for her husband can be a challenge. Her daughter lives on the island, and only occasionally checks on them. Ensure and groceries would help their living situation, and would bring joy to their daily lives.
Fresh veggies and groceries would lift Aunty B.’s spirits
Aunty B. is an 88-year-old woman who has no family on Kaua’i. She suffers from arthritis, dementia, high blood pressure, hearing impairments in both ears, and high cholesterol.
Neighbors stop by to help her do her weekly shopping, and do check on her well-being. She suffers from depression, and a little cheer during the holiday season will bring her spirit up. A close friend mentioned that she misses her children a lot. Groceries and fresh vegetables would be great for her during the holidays.
