Lenny is a musician. He suffers from a physical disability and has a service animal to help him. He was chronically homeless for many years until he was helped by a church and referred to a permanent supportive housing program.
Lenny has been stably housed for over a year and is thankful to be housed and to feel safe. To go well with his small collection of aloha shirts, Lenny would be overjoyed to receive a pair of new pants and shoes.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families and individuals (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 $200 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.
• Zoey is a 16-year-old, nonbinary client healing from sexual abuse by her stepfather. She and her two younger siblings recently moved to live with their new caregivers.
Her caregivers are able to provide the children with stable housing but live on a fixed income and have difficulty providing “extra” things, like toys. Any help with the “extra” or other things would be greatly appreciated.
• Shiloh is a 17-year-old, nonbinary client who lives with their parents and two younger siblings. They are so grateful for their family for being great supports as they heal from sexual abuse by a trusted family friend, as well as being supportive after Shiloh came out to be part of the LGBTQ community.
Shiloh’s father works hard to make ends meet for their family, especially as Shiloh’s mother is unable to work due to a medical condition and physical disability. Shiloh is looking forward to the holiday season as they prepare to transition into adulthood.
Any assistance would be truly appreciated this holiday season.
