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.
• Dean is an outgoing 23-year-old with an intellectual disability and lives with his single mother. Dean lights up a room with his smile and loves sports. Dean is a growing young man bound to his wheelchair. Dean would benefit from some new clothes to better fit his growing body or some headphones to allow him to listen to his favorite music without bothering his neighbors.
• Mr. and Mrs. Martin are a very loving couple who have depended on each other to get through this life together. For years they enjoyed traveling and meeting new people helping others along the way. In recent years they have come on some difficult times. Mr. Martin suffered a stroke a few years ago and Mrs. Martin became his full-time caregiver nursing him back to health only to then have health problems of her own. They do the best they can to care for each other and get through the days together but could use some extra cheer this holiday season.
• Simon was about to enter the time in his life when he could slow down a little and start to really enjoy life. He was nearing retirement when he would be able to do all the hobbies he had been putting on the side until he had the time. Then he was dealt a huge blow with an illness that left him paralyzed. Simon is surrounded by people who love him and try to tend to his every need but he could certainly use some extra cheer.
• Sydney was so looking forward to retirement and being able to spend time doing all the things she loves but had to put that on the side. Retirement came but before she could begin to enjoy she was handed unexpected caregiver duties. Not only is she caring for her aged mother but due to unforeseen circumstances she is now providing a lot of care to her grandchildren. While Sydney loves the family she has been blessed with, she often is tired and stressed and could use some extra cheer this holiday season.
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 Kauai Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766.
