Carrie Gee, 46, is employed at the Marriott resort as a dishwasher. She lives in Hanamaulu with her teen son and works hard to get by on her own. But life continues to be challenging. Her mother recently passed away and her hours at work have decreased.
Carrie is also intellectually disabled with hearing loss. She has a personal assistance worker who helps her try to increase her independence. She struggles making ends meet as she tries to maintain an independent life.
Carrie would be happy for help with monthly bus passes and basic needs, such as food. She is one of those who will receive assistance through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
The Garden Island encourages individuals, families, clubs, schools and businesses to rally behind the Christmas Fund.
Each donated dollar is carefully recorded, accounted for and spent wisely. Anyone making a donation of $500 or more can have their picture presenting the check published in TGI.
Donations will be distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make wishes come true.
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, 822-4517.
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.
Man struggling,
but never complains
Kealakai is a 45-year-old developmentally disabled man about to lose his vision. He lives with his elderly mother and recently lost his younger sister to cancer.
Being on a fixed income and having medical challenges has brought much hardship to this pleasant individual. He does not complain, nor does he want anyone to feel sorry for him. He would be so excited to receive a holiday turkey and all the fixings. This would make his entire holiday, with his elderly mother, very bright.
Senior appreciates small things in life
Mahela is a 75-year-old disabled individual, who lives in an adult residential care home. She’s able to access the community several times each week with the help of a personal assistant and enjoys being active. She lives on a limited allowance and often has to carry just a sandwich for lunch. Mahela is always so excited and grateful for little gifts.
