Marian is a 45-year-old woman who care-gives for her 22-yer-old developmentally-disabled son. Due to COVID-19, her son is not able to attend a day program, so she had to quit her job to stay home and care for him. She did acquire a part-time job to help her husband with bills. However, it does not allow for many “extras.” Marian would love a new jacket in woman’s large. Her son could also use a new jacket in men’s large. It would mean so much, especially with the weather turning colder.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue for everyone to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through social-service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrative costs involved, and money goes directly to provide for those in need of Christmas presents and groceries.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word.
Anyone making a donation of $150 or more can have their picture published in TGI.
Donations may be made by way of the website, Zonta-Kaua‘i.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
w Kai Johnson, 46, raised on the Westside of Kaua‘i, has had a history of substance abuse and homelessness. But he decided he wouldn’t let that define who he is. Living on the streets for over three years may have made him take a few steps back and relapse, but he always kept pushing forward in the pursuit of a better life. It wasn’t until he reached his rock bottom of chronic homelessness, incarceration and the custody loss of his child, that he really took charge of his life. When Kai got out of jail in 2018, he was on the road to recovery. Through community outreach he was enrolled into the Housing First program, which helped him become sustainable, maintain his job and sobriety, regain custody of his child and, most importantly, got him off the streets with secure housing. Today, Kai is living in his two-bedroom apartment with his girlfriend Robyn and son Ryan, and is continuing on the road to a better life. Being the first Christmas in their apartment, this holiday season will be a special one. Kai’s family would greatly benefit from a new stroller for Ryan or a monetary gift to maintain dues.
w lkaika is a 15-year-old boy with a developmental delay. He lives with his mother, stepfather and two young siblings. After being sexually assaulted by a peer close to his family and experiencing ongoing harassment from that peer, lkaika has been working hard in therapy to improve his emotions and behaviors. lkaika is an honest, playful youth who loves spending time with his family. This holiday season, he would love puppets, toys or electronics.
