The stories of Charlie and Lois are similar in that both have cared for others, and now could use a little help from their community. Charlie, 85, has lived simply his entire life. He has had developmental issues since birth
The stories of Charlie and Lois are similar in that both have cared for others, and now could use a little help from their community.
Charlie, 85, has lived simply his entire life. He has had developmental issues since birth but never let that stop him from trying all things, caring for himself and helping older siblings. His can-do attitude carried him far in life. Today, though, Charlie’s siblings have passed on and he has a just a few friends. He would like to be able to celebrate the holidays with them but has little money.
And then, there is Lois.
The 67-year-old has always been able to care for herself and her home, even helping raise her grandson. Unfortunately, things changed drastically due to unexpected medical issues.
Over the past few years, Lois suffered a stroke, an amputation and is on dialysis. She would desperately like to be able to give her grandson something for Christmas, but needs a little help with that.
These are just two of the people who will receive assistance through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
Donations will be distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make wishes come true.
The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund was established in the early 1980s. Each donated dollar is carefully recorded, accounted for and spent wisely.
The Garden Island encourages individuals, clubs, schools and businesses to rally behind the Christmas Fund. Anyone making a donation of $500 or more can have their picture presenting the check published in TGI.
Only monetary donations can be accepted. Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI., 96766.
Information: Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, chair of The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund Committee, 822-9882.
The following are more stories of people who could use help through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund. While the names have been changed, the situations described are real.
Alone, not well
Tony lives alone and depends on his daughter for support. He was recently diagnosed with dementia. The medication that was prescribed to him and other medical tests leave little of his monthly income. His family worries as he refuses to spend whatever money he has left to buy some decent food.
Older couple struggling
John and Mary, both in their 70s, are married and living together on a small monthly income. Mary had both legs amputated and now depends on her spouse to help with all of her daily activities. John tries his best to tend to his wife, but has his limits because of multiple medical conditions that have gone untreated. Any assistance that could be extended to this couple would be appreciated.
Depends on children
Mr. Foster is 65 years old and recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Mr. Foster receives a small Social Security check and has to depend on his children to help pay for some of his medical expenses. Although it is physically hard for him to move around, he has a great attitude about life and loves to spend spare time with his grandchildren.
Loves Kauai
Adam has always been a very generous and giving man, so when his daughter needed him to drop everything and move here to help care for her children after going through a divorce, that is just what he did. That was 10 years ago and during that time some things changed. Today, Adam and his daughter are estranged but he fell in love with Kauai and her people and decided to stay. Adam has fit in nicely and instead of asking for help, has always been the one to offer help. Due to some unforeseen circumstances he now needs help and could use a little extra to get through the holiday season.
Health, housing
Mrs. Hope is a 79-year-old widower who lives with her daughter in a rental home that is being foreclosed on. Mrs. Hope just started dialysis treatment. Mrs. Hope’s daughter has applied for elderly housing for her mom but she was placed on the wait list.
