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.
Also, for every $250 donation given to the Christmas Fund, Hale Uluwehi Charitable Foundation will match up to $5,000.
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.
• Katie is a single elderly disabled woman, who is in need of hip replacement surgery. Katie was homeless for more than four years prior to April of this year when she was able to secure permanent housing. Katie would love to be able to get a few items for her new rental in order to prepare for her upcoming surgery.
• James is a 73-year-old single male, who was homeless and living in a tent for more than three years. He recently became housed. James is working through his mental health and medical issues that were neglected due to his homelessness.
James lives on his Social Security and SNAP benefits, which cover his basic needs but he is unable to afford new slippers and warm clothing. James recently got a bicycle. However, he would like to get a cart that connects to the bike in order to get groceries and take his laundry to the laundromat.
• Carl, his wife and two daughters moved to Hawai‘i during the pandemic. One of his daughter suffers from an auto-immune disorder. Carl had a job and a rental when they got here, however after living in their rental for only a few months they were notified they had to move out.
Carl’s job was temporary and due to the high cost of rent and limited affordable rentals he and his family were forced into homelessness. Carl was able to qualify for services with CCH and was able to move into permanent housing in May of this year. Carl works full time, however his wife is unable to work because she needs to care for her two girls. Carl would appreciate some help with warm clothing and gifts for his children.
• Kaimi is a single mother of one daughter needing assistance with basic housing needs. Laundry detergent, personal hygiene products, blankets and school supplies would be appreciated this holiday season.
