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,
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.
Parents need clothes, shoes for five children
Jerry and Cherry have five kids. They have been homeless for a long time with only one income to support the family. Cherry, who gave birth to their youngest son a month ago, helps the three older children off to school and stays home with the two younger children that need attentive care. The family would be delighted with new clothing and shoes for Christmas along with a sumptuous meal the family can enjoy together. Sleeping bags and camping supplies would also be helpful.
Homeless mom keeps Anne safe at night
Jenny is a strong, single mother of daughter Anne. Jenny is a surviving victim of family abuse and has been without a home for her and Anne for many days. At night, she brings Anne to her grandmother’s house to sleep; Anne returns to her mother in the morning to spend the day in the park. The instability is tough on Anne and Jenny. Anne could use shoes, clothes and toys along with some nutritious food items. Also, the mother and daughter pair could use sleeping bags, coolers and other camping supplies.
Disabled couple
live at beach
Jack and Jill are an elderly couple camping on the beach. Jack is paralyzed and spends most of his time in his wheelchair. Jill suffers from thyroid problems in addition to the daily swelling of her legs from carrying her husband in and out of their van to put him on his wheelchair and to bed.
They prefer to stay on the beach because of the fresh air, and it has proven a more accessible pathway to the hospital than any of the housing opportunities offered to the couple.
They are always in need of medical supplies and food supplements. It would be a joy if the couple could receive a handicap accessible van to help Jill in transporting her husband.
• 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.
