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. 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, at 822-9882.
Louise would be grateful for clothes, personal items
Louise is 26 and has mental retardation. She receives Social Security income for her disability, but all of her money goes to the family to pay for her living expenses and for food. She is a very sensitive and gentle person. She would be very happy and appreciative of any amount that you could offer her so that she could buy some personal items and some new clothes. (Case # ZF-10)
Karen likes crafts and to play games
Karen is a pre-teen girl diagnosed with a moderate intellectual disability and a behavior disorder. Karen has been through a lot in her short life so far. She currently lives with a foster family due to abuse and neglect by her biological family. Her foster parents do a great job caring for her. However, the foster family has four children of their own and both parents work hard to provide financially for the children. Karen enjoys arts and crafts projects, writing in her journal and playing her Wii and board games. She would love some new games and craft supplies for the holidays. (Case # ZF-13)
Music for Makana
Makana is a happy man who is diagnosed with profound intellectual disabilities. He lives with his family in Kapahi. Makana’s mother has a long-term illness that makes it difficult for her to care for him; therefore, Makana’s step father has taken care of him along with his three other children for much of Makana’s life. It’s challenging with only one parent earning money to provide for the family.
Makana loves music, especially Hawaiian music. Makana’s step father is able to use listening music as a reward to encourage positive behavior. Both Makana and his step father would love to purchase some new music for Makana to listen to for the holidays. (Case # ZF-14)
Jeffrey loves DVDs
Jeffrey is a young boy with moderate intellectual disabilities. He currently lives with his mother, who suffers from mental illness. Her condition has made it very challenging for her to care for Jeffrey, and she is considering giving Jeffrey up for adoption. Because of Jeffrey’s mothers challenges, she is not able to provide much for her son either emotionally or financially.
He spends much of time doing independent activities that he enjoys, such as playing ball, blowing bubbles, playing with cars, watching DVDs and working with stickers and coloring books. Jeffrey would love to get some new toys and DVDs to brighten his holiday season. Thank you. (Case # ZF-15)
Kenneth needs supplies to get by
Kenneth, 20, has severe mental retardation. He is unable to verbally communicate and requires total assistance with all of his personal care. He is also developmentally disabled and requires the use of a wheelchair for mobility. He uses adult-size diapers because he is unable to use the toilet independently. Kenneth lives with his single mother and two younger brothers. His mother works part time and struggles to provide for their needs.
Kenneth enjoys looking at picture books. He also needs adult diapers and wipes, because it’s financially difficult for his mother to buy these items for him. (Case # ZF-16)
Matilda would love new clothes
Matilda is a 14-year-old girl with a developmental disability that makes it difficult for her to communicate and manager her own self-care. Her mother is a single parent who works two jobs to make ends meet. Matilda could use some new clothes and underwear. (Case # ZF-17)
Dressing up Merri
Merri, 40, has severe mental retardation. She is unable to verbally communicate and requires constant supervision for her own safety. She lives with her mother and stepfather, who both have fixed incomes. Merri is not able to live on her own because she uable to cook, grocery shop, do her own laundry and other tasks required to live independently.
Merri could use some clothes, shoes and a bag to carry extra clothes and personal belongings whenever she goes out. (Case # ZF-18)
