LIHUE — 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.
• Sarah is a 45-year-old woman with moderate intellectual disability. Sarah lives with her single mother and aunt. She is an artistic, helpful and courageous young woman who lights up a room. Sarah would benefit from some new clothes, shoes and some hair accessories to match her beautiful personality.
• Sam is a survivor. At age 85 he has always been very independent and was always helping others. Recently due to some health challenges he has had to rely on the kindness of his neighbors for picking up groceries and rides to appointments. Due to an increase in medications his money is also not going as far as it once did. Sam could use some extra help this holiday season to have a brighter one.
• Emily is a spunky 12-year-old with an intellectual disability and Downs syndrome. Emily loves to be out in the community, playing games and enjoys arts and crafts. Emily lives with her single mother and would benefit from some new clothes, nail polish or some hair accessories to match her outgoing personality.
• Mel is a 28-year-old girl boss who has a moderate intellectual disability. Mel lives with her single mother who has shown her how to become the girl boss she is today. Mel works, volunteers, is involved in several community organizations and continue to advocate for her peers. Mel would benefit from some new clothes, sandals or some nail polish to match her outgoing personality.
• Tyler is a strong 24-year-old man who has a moderate intellectual disability. Tyler works, volunteers and advocates for his peers. Tyler lives with his parents and is a constant help to those around him. Tyler would benefit from some new gardening tools or seeds to help him grow his current garden.
• James is a strong 69 year old with a severe intellectual disability, chronic kidney disease and radiolysis. James lives with his older sister and enjoys being out in the community, watching sporting events and cooking. James would benefit from some supportive shoes and some new clothes to continue to be active.
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.
