LIHU‘E — The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again this year and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund. From now through
LIHU‘E — The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again this year and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
From now through Christmas Eve, 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. Checks made payable to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766. For more information, call Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, chair of The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund Committee, 822-9882.
Brian could use new Hawaiian CDs
Brian has mental retardation as well as a diagnosis of ADHD. His mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor and due to the surgery and recovery time she was laid off this year and is currently unemployed. Brian was also recently diagnosed with a seizure disorder. Father is the only one employed and they are having a hard time making ends meet and through this holiday season they will not be able to provide anything more than the basic needs of the family. Brian enjoys listening to Hawaiian music, fishing and bowling. He could use some new Hawaiian CDs as well as some new fishing equipment. (F13)
Autistic kids could use clothing
Both Roger and Sam have autism and require constant supervision. Father works full-time as a captain for the zodiac tours on the North Shore to support the family. During the winter months when the ocean is rough the father is usually laid off for about 4 months (November-March) until the boats can resume their tours to the Na Pali Coast again. Mother stays home full-time to care for the two children.
During these months the family lives on a strict budget as they have a limited income. The children could use almost anything from clothing, household goods to food items. Anything is helpful during this time of the year. (F14)
Family would appreciate assistance
Jennifer comes from a family of 5, with both parents working full-time. Jennifer need constant care and supervision and is totally dependent. Father works during the day and other mother is the one that cares for her during the day. Then mother works the “graveyard shift” and father provides the care during the evenings and overnight. Parents are very dedicated to Jennifer and took these jobs so that they could ensure that at least one of them would be available at all times for Jennifer. Jennifer siblings are a couple of years older. With today’s economy and having the expenses of housing, food and clothing for a family of 5, the family just barely meets their monthly needs. The family as a whole could use any assistance with food or clothing. (F15)
