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.
The following are some stories we would like to share with our readers.
• Randy is an active 30-year-old with a severe intellectual disability and bipolar disorder who is also autistic. Randy lives with his single elderly mother. Randy loves being outdoors, loves eating and is constantly moving. Randy’s mother struggles to keep up with his appetite and would benefit from groceries and new walking shoes for Randy.
• Layne is a strong 18-year-old who is autistic and lives with his single mother, older sister and nephew. Layne enjoys cartoons, being among his peers and cruising around the island. Layne is a growing young man that could benefit from new shoes or clothes as his height and weight have surpassed his mom’s expectations and his current wardrobe.
• James is a young 69-year-old with moderate intellectual disability who is also diabetic. James lives in a group home but is often out in the community, shopping and socializing with his friends. James loves being in style and would benefit from some new clothes or supportive shoes to make him feel young again.
• Rose is a sweet 81-year-old with moderate intellectual disability and Parkinson’s disease. Rose is cared for by her granddaughter and great grandchildren. Rose loves to be out in the community watching her families’ sporting events, shopping or arts and crafts. Rose would benefit from some new supportive shoes, a comfortable cushion for her wheelchair or arts and craft supplies to express herself.
• Zyani is a formerly houseless, elderly female who used to live in her vehicle and slept where ever she felt safe. She recently was able to find housing. She could use some household items such as pots and pans, and blankets. She is on a limited budget and would appreciate gift cards to purchase food and gas for her vehicle so she is able to make it to and from appointments.
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-Kauai.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766.
