The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kauai are teaming up this year, and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta /The Garden Island Christmas Fund. From now through Christmas
The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kauai are teaming up this year, and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta /The Garden Island Christmas Fund.
From now through Christmas Eve, 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.
Cecelia is alone
amongst others
It’s easy to get lost or overlooked in a multiple family housing situation when you are quiet and elderly, and don’t ask for much.
Cecelia rents a room in such a living situation. Although she lives with others, for all intents and purposes, she is alone to battle her multiple medical problems.
Perhaps she doesn’t want to be a burden on her neighbors sharing the same roof, but the truth is Cecelia could use help to purchase basic household items for the upcoming holidays.
Alice and Tom want
to celebrate with
their children
Alice and Tom are elderly citizens who rely upon each other for care. Recently, Tom was diagnosed with cancer and has to go through chemotherapy. Alice has become his caregiver, and helps him not only through his chemotherapy but with his vision impairment, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And Alice is also suffering from medical hardships which include diabetes and arthritis; she has also had many surgeries to correct her back problems.
They have children on the island, but with their children are not always available because of their jobs. Tom and Alice would be excited and uplifted this holiday if they were able to have a gathering for their children; help in getting the food for this event would go a long way in accomplishing their wish.
Six grader has a heart
of service
Adults are not the only able caregivers looking out for friends and loved ones. Mauka is a 6th grader who has the compassion and caring to provide first aid assistance for his peers.
He attends an after school program and when they go on hikes, he always remembers to bring his personal first aid kit and volunteers to carry the first aid kit that is assigned to the program staff. Mauka is the first person on the scene when someone has a minor accident and has given out the Band-Aids from his own kit. His goal is to become a doctor but for now, all he wants is to have his first aid kit replenished so he is ready to help his friends when they are in need.
• Checks should be written to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible, and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, c/o Dimples Kano, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e HI 96766-6032. For more information, contact Dimples Kano at 822-9882.
