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, at 822-9882.
Family wishes for toys, dinner
Kekoa is a 1-year-old little boy who lives with his mom and dad. He was born with medical issues that require him to go to O‘ahu every other month to see doctors that aren’t available on Kaua‘i. This has been very trying for the family. Mom is going to college to make a better life for her family. Kekoa has made awesome progress with his health and development because of the love and support from his family. He does receive therapy services from Easter Seals and nursing services from Public Health Nursing. To make their holiday season brighter, the family could use a nice dinner and age appropriate toys. Case # GZ/E.4
Kupuna wishes for family bus pass
Max is a 2-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother since birth as his mom was unable to take care of him. They were homeless for a while, moving from one family member’s home to another. They were finally able to get an apartment of their own, which has been wonderful for both of them. Max loves his new bedroom. Max goes to Easter Seals for therapy services. They have to rely on the bus as his grandmother doesn’t drive. They could use help purchasing a monthly bus pass. Case # GZ/E.5
Baby supplies would brighten mother’s holiday
Alex is a 4-month-old boy who lives with his mom. He was born with a condition that put him at risk for developmental delays and heart problems. His mom is doing her best to care for him, finish her final semester at college and work. It’s been tough but mom is trying to take it one day at a time. Alex is receiving physical therapy from Easter Seals. They could use baby supplies and age appropriate toys. Case # GZ/E.6
‘Ohana asks for toys, books
Alice is a 2-year-old girl who lives with her dad and three siblings. She was born with a condition that affected her ability to pronounce words clearly. It was surgically corrected when she was a year old. Alice is receiving speech therapy from Easter Seals and has progressed in her talking. Her family lives in a small apartment. Her dad is doing his best to take care of all the children. They love to do activities as a family, such as going to the beach and fishing. They could use age appropriate books and toys to make their holiday happier. Case # GZ/E.7
Help a family put presents under tree
Jonas lives in a multi-generational household. He was born almost at full term, but had respiratory difficulties and was transferred to a Medical Center on O‘ahu. He army crawls around the house, but is unable to get to sitting on his own. The family would like to be able to put a few presents for him under the tree this year, but most of their income goes to daily living expenses. Case # GZ/E.8
Toys needed for keiki’s motor development
When Meagan was born, she failed the newborn hearing screening. Later testing revealed her hearing to be within normal limits, but she still has some motor delays. The family lives in a converted garage and does their best to provide her with what she needs. They would like to find toys to help with her motor development, but are on a limited income. Case # GZ/E.9
Brighten a family’s holiday
Richard’s family moved to Kaua‘i to get help for him, as he was born with fluid in his brain. He has motor and vision difficulties. The family lives with other relatives, as they are unable to afford a place of their own. They have not been able to get any furniture in the living room, so they make do with blankets. Any help to make this holiday season brighter would be much appreciated by this close knit family. Case # GZ/E.10
Holiday dinner would bring some cheer
Kara has developmental delays as a result of head trauma suffered after falling out of an infant carrier. She also has seizures, which are being controlled by medication. She is part of a large (five siblings) family that has a lot of love to give, but limited resources.
The family would love to be able to enjoy a holiday dinner and a few presents under the Christmas tree this year. Case # GZ/E.11
Family of 10 appreciates any donation
Joshua’s family is living paycheck to paycheck. Father is the only one who is able to work and must support this family of 10. Any help with clothing and groceries will help to make this holiday season less stressful for this family. Case # GZ/E.12
