Our seniors are in need

Kupuna are in need this Christmas.

Mary and John are an elderly couple that receives homebound meals. Mary cares for John, who is bedridden. It takes a lot of effort and patience on Mary’s part, and she gets so tired that she doesn’t even want to clean the house. So a housing-cleaning service as a holiday gift would be a happy surprise for the cople.

Another kupuna who is facing challenges is Ralph. He lives alone and has health concerns. He receives Meals on Wheels, but he could use a new set of bedding and towels.

Paul is another homebound kupuna. He is frail and unsteady on his feet. Through his 90 years of life, he has collected many items which have cluttered his house, so he could use some help organizing and sorting things.

The Garden Island/Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas Fund drive is underway to help people like Mary, John, Ralph and Paul. This holiday season, more than 700 requests for help have come in from families and individuals.

Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share stories about those facing challenges (we don’t use their real names).

The Christmas Fund is an avenue to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are distributed through social-service agencies.

The Hawaii Community Foundation Kauai office reported that a donor has pledged up to $5,000 to match donations of at least $150.

Donations may be made to: The Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, PO Box, 3032, Lihue, 96766, or by way of their website: zonta-kauai.org.