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.
• Sandy needs clothing, housing necessities, food and money for her bills. She is a struggling single person trying to make it on her own. She has had many ups and downs and is trying her best to survive. She is currently renting and on the HUD wait list.
• Kaleo is the elderly father and Kaimi is the middle aged son moving into their home after being houseless for more than 11 years. They need household goods, food, blankets, personal hygiene supplies and a couch.
• Diane and John with their two children, Billy and Knox, have been staying in the emergency homeless shelter for a couple of months. The family was evicted from their rental home when John became ill and was not able to continue to work. Diane cares for her two children, one of whom is a special needs child. They recently received a housing voucher and are searching for affordable housing.
• Maile is an only child, who lives with her mother. She has been through serious family problems and has witnessed domestic violence in the home. She is legally estranged from her father. Maile maintains a happy face and is optimistic about life. She still needs support and comfort from her mother and other caring adults. Maile loves to read books and is very artistic. She also enjoys the outdoors, hiking and going to the beach.
• Libby is currently in foster care with a resource caregiver. She was living with her mother, but had to be removed when her mother suffered a serious mental health crisis. While her mother recovers, Libby is safe and adjusting well to her caregivers and their family. For a 5-year-old, Libby is very smart and precocious; she is already reading at an advanced level. She is curious and artistic, as well. Libby is outgoing and almost anything puts a big smile on her sweet face.
