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 stories we would like to share with our readers.
• Kaipo is the father of a beautiful 2-year-old girl. Due to his struggle with substance use, he was incarcerated and his daughter was placed in temporary foster care. Since being released several months ago, Kaipo has dedicated his life to reuniting with his daughter. He attends all of his classes and voluntary meetings, while taking the bus.
Kaipo is strong in his recovery and was able to regain custody of his daughter and secure housing. He is truly an inspiration and is always uplifting others in the program. Kaipo is in need of household items as he will be moving into a new home soon, as well as clothing and toys for his daughter. Any help is greatly appreciated to keep him moving forward.
• Brittany is a single mom of two children, ages 2 and 3 years old. She has struggled with substance use and homelessness for several years. Brittany has faced much adversity and trauma, but fights to stay sober and make a better life for her children. Brittany hopes to someday become a counselor and help others that are struggling with addiction. She would benefit from clothing and toiletries for herself and Christmas gifts and toys for her children.
• Mahealani is a senior, who enjoys keeping active by doing hula and making lei with her friends. Mahealani volunteers her time working with children. This year it would be nice to provide Mahealani with some lei making supplies, as well as some cloth so she can sew.
• Hoku is a senior vet living on a fixed income. Hoku lives alone and rarely leaves his apartment. Dealing with some mental hardships, Hoku tries to stay positive. With no family on island, he tries to make it a point to call his children each day. This holiday season it would be wonderful if Hoku was given a small laptop so he can Zoom with his family.
• Nalani and her husband Kaliko have a son Lono that just graduated high school. The family relies on Nalani’s income as Kaliko can’t work. Kaliko does what he can around the house and they make it work. Lono has gotten into college, and Nalani and Kaliko are very proud. This holiday season it would be wonderful to provide the family with some holiday gifts and some new clothes and school supplies for Lono.
• Betty and Barney have three children Cindy, Jan, and Bobby. Cindy just started secondary education classes and Jan and Bobby are in elementary school. Betty’s mom Alice recently came to live with them as her health is declining. Barney is a stay at home dad so he can watch Jan and Bobby after school, as well as Alice. With only Betty’s income, money is tight month to month. This holiday season it would be wonderful to provide this family with some new clothes and a new blanket for grandma.
