Zonta for Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012

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.

Dad struggles to make ends meet

Jed is a young father going through a separation from his wife. He has an 8-year-old son named Wes who lived with him in a tiny rental. Jed is a very polite young man and is working hard to try to support his son. He just can’t seem to make ends meet and is trying to get a better job. He is also attempting to reconcile with his wife through mediation. He truly misses his family and hates that they are apart. Any help with hot meals and holiday gifts for his son would mean the world to Jed and he would be so grateful for the generosity. It would help him give his son some holiday cheer and joy during a challenging time. Case # GZ/H.63

Brighten holidays for 5 little boys

Sarah and Jack are a couple with five little boys. They have Erik, Max, Tom, John and Kyle. The boys range in age from 8 to 1. Kyle was just born in September.

Sarah works hard and is the breadwinner of her family. However, they do have a tough time making ends meet and have needed some assistance since Kyle’s birth.

Diapers, baby wipes, holiday presents for their children, and some hot meals would help make their holiday season so much brighter. Case # GZ/H.64

Woman facing homelessness

Linda is a woman facing the possibility of becoming homeless for the first time in her life. She is very afraid to be in this situation at her age. She is a victim of a foreclosure on her current housing. She also suffers from many health problems that have truly affected her life stability.

She could use some comfort and care. Any donations of hot meals, a bus pass or clothing would be so appreciated as she works hard to find a new place to live. This gesture would help her know that she is not alone during the holidays. Case # GZ/H.65

Children hoping for Christmas presents

Emily faced some financial hardship at the end of the summer. Due to a reduction in work her income dropped dramatically. Kenny at age 10 was having problems in school so Emily has had to give him more attention in the past two years since his father does not acknowledge him or provide any support. Emily sometimes thinks it could be because her 6-year-old son, Max, had major health problems when he was a baby and she had to care and focus so much on him. Max is stable at this time and has been attending school regularly without any problems.

Shortly after Chloe, age 2, was born Emily asked the father of Chloe and Max to leave because he was not working and would not help out with the children. She was tired of supporting him while she was working in the tourism industry where the hours varied. She would have to call in to work to say she didn’t have a babysitter when he didn’t show up.

Her current job allows her to be with her children more but with the reduction she has been struggling to pay for their basic needs.

She knows that Kenny wanted a new video game, Max wants a kendama game, and little Chloe would be happy with a toddler bike. Emily is optimistic that she will get more work hours but wonders how she can afford these gifts for her children this Christmas. Case # GZ/H.66

Teen already has faced many trials

Bradley is 17 years old and has faced many trials in his young life. He was placed in the care of CPS and is currently living with a foster family.

Following the death of his mother, he was cared for by a family member who was abusive towards him.

Bradley has been reunited with his great-grandmother, Erica, who is 83 years old. They have forged a bond and talk on the phone or visit with each other regularly.

Erica says that she has also suffered the loss of her husband, daughter and son. She wishes that she could provide a permanent home for Bradley but it would be difficult because suffering from many major health issues.

Erica is proud to say that her great-grandson has persevered and is doing well with the help of the foster family, school counselors and therapist.

He even won an award and is looking forward to graduating and pursuing higher education. Erica said that Bradley likes to cook for her and so she hopes they can get together for the holidays and share a meal together. Case # GZ/H.67

Woman trying to move on after abuse

Kimi was having difficulty with her pregnancy last year and was not able to work. She suffered abuse after she gave birth by the father of her sons, Dan, age 2, and Ken, age 10 months. He is no longer in the picture. Kimi is participating in a job training program and moving on with her life. She has months when money is so tight she has difficulty paying her bills and fell behind in her electric bill facing shut off. She tries to keep a positive outlook for her two young sons. As a growing toddler, Dan could use some new clothes. Ken, having hand-me-downs, is OK with his clothes but diapers and wipes are always running low. Kimi could use a new outfit when she goes to her job site for training. Case # GZ/H.68

Mom needs help making ends meet

Jennifer, single mother of four children, ages 10, 8, 6 and 4. She is employed but struggling to survive. Although she is working, it’s not enough to make ends meet.

Jennifer is caring and dedicated mom whose greatest desire is to raise her children in a loving and safe environment.

Food and clothing would lessen the tension on a very tight budget. The possibility of getting a gift for their children this holiday season would not only bring a smile to her children’s face but fulfill joy and happiness to her. Case # GZ/H.69

Family would appreciate clothing

Kelii and Lehua are parents of 2 children, ages 10 and 4. Kelii is unemployed and Lehua works full-time and struggles to make ends meet.

With one income it becomes hard at times but Lehua tries very hard to care for her family.

The family could use food and household necessities. As for the children, they could use warm clothing like long sleeve shirts, T-shirts/blouses, pants, underclothing, socks, and light and heavy jackets for the raining season.

Lehua would be appreciative to receive any type of assistance to make her holiday season much greater. Case # GZ/H.70

Homeless woman needs work clothes

Cathy is a 46-year-old woman who recently became homeless. She lost her job due to downsizing and could not afford rent.

She is looking for work but has not found any. She could use new work clothes, a tent and a sleeping bag or blanket.

She is staying in a shelter and any help given would help give her some comfort for the holiday season. Case # GZ/H.71

Kupuna needs home, job

Jackie is a 73-year-old woman who has been homeless for 1 year. She does not receive any financial benefits or food stamps. She is unemployed and looking for work.

She needs a home and a job. Her immediate needs are food, a bus pass, and clothes. Any help would let her know that she is not alone over the holidays. Case # GZ/H.72

Homeless man could use food, bus pass

Brian is a 49-year-old man. He recently became homeless.

He is unable to work at this time but receives no help from DHS. Brian needs a tent and camping supplies.

He could also use food and a bus pass. Please help us allow Brian to feel some joy and comfort at this special time of year. Case # GZ/H.73

Help out young homeless family

Jeremy and Ann have 2 young children, Kalani and Malia.

They were living with relatives but were forced to move out. Jeremy is working and they are saving money to get their own place. In the meantime, they are homeless.

The family needs food, clothing, and toys for the children. Please help this couple give their children a special holiday season. Case # GZ/H.74

Tent, supplies for homeless family

Kimo, Linda and Keoki have been homeless for the past two years. Linda is pregnant with their second child. Kimo is looking for work so that they can afford a house.

Linda will need clothes for the baby, diapers, wipes and bottles. The family would like a tent, camping supplies, and toys for the children. Case # GZ/H.75