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.
• Ben, Sheila, their daughter, Summer, and his brother, Frank, were homeless camping at several beach parks on the island. They were recently placed in a transitional shelter apartment and are searching for a permanent rental home. Ben is caring for his teenage brother, Frank. The family could use bedding, linens and housewares for their apartment, educational toys for their daughter, and Frank would like airpods for this holiday season.
• Joe is a single person whose wife passed away earlier this year. He was homeless and stayed in an emergency shelter until he was offered a room to rent in a group home. Joe lives on fixed income from social security benefit each month. He spends his days fishing, often sharing his catch with his friends. For the holidays, he would appreciate a new fishing pole and tackle box with fishing supplies.
• Dan is a single elderly person, who lives on fixed income from social security benefits. He was diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, and has been trying his best to keep a positive attitude. A new comforter for his bed would keep him warm, as the weather gets colder in the coming winter months.
• James is a single, elderly person, who is physically challenged. He lives on fixed monthly income from social security benefit. James’ great joy is his hobby of building model cars. For the holidays, he would appreciate model car kits to continue his hobby.
• Bert is a single person with a physical disability. He lives on fixed income from social security disability benefit. Bert spends his days reading books and watching his favorite movies. This holiday season would be special for Bert if he received some new books to read.
• Jane is a single homeless person, who was staying in the emergency shelter after her landlord increased her rent and she was unable to continue to pay the amount of rent. Jane was referred to a transitional shelter, where she is currently living. The holidays would be special for Jane if she were able to have a new set of cookware for her new home.
• Delia lost her rental apartment because she was unable to pay for the increase in her rent. She lives on fixed income from social security benefits and SNAP benefits each month. Delia was staying in an emergency homeless shelter until she obtained an apartment in a transitional housing program. She recently moved into the apartment. She would appreciate a crock pot and other housewares for the holidays.
• Kai is a single homeless person, who was staying in a homeless emergency shelter until he was referred to a transitional housing program and recently moved into an apartment. He obtained a job and has been working for a month. The holidays would be special if he could receive housewares, bedding and linens for his new place.
