LIHU‘E — Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families and individuals (we don’t use their real names), who are facing challenges and would appreciate a little help this holiday season.
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.
The following are some of stories we would like to share with our readers.
w Joey is a very intelligent young boy with a disability. He loves all things “Star Wars.” Joey has an amazing imagination, is funny and enjoys role playing. He loves superhero books and would like a tablet to play games.
w Billy is a 12-year-old boy with a disability who lives with his mother and four siblings. He enjoys going to the park, beach and jumping on a trampoline with friends. He also enjoys playing soccer and all outdoor activities, including fishing and crabbing. He would like to have “Hot Wheels” to play with and an iPad for games.
w Kea is a 5-year-old disabled boy. He has been in and out of hospitals with numerous surgeries since birth. He now lives with his mother, who is his sole caregiver. He needs constant care and monitoring to keep him safe. He is learning to speak to convey his needs. He especially loves music. His mother thinks having an iPad would help him communicate better.
w Susie is an 11-year-old girl with a disability. She is very positive and enjoys playing at the park or beach, and makes friends easily. She lives with her mother, who is teaching her traffic, water and stranger safety. She loves music and has played on a toy ukulele and would like a real one now.
w Sam is a social young man with a disability. He loves swimming, body boarding, dancing and singing. He also likes to play games on the internet and would like an iPad. Because of his love of different healthy foods, he would enjoy a gift card to take his small family out to dinner.
w Johnny is a delightful gentleman, with a disability, who most enjoys volunteering in the community, including beach cleaning and contributing to the Salvation Army holiday meal service. He enjoys garage sales, window shopping and Saturday Farmers Markets. He could use some new clothes and would enjoy shopping for them.
