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.
• Mark and his wife Marie, have been married for a long time and have had their ups and downs. There have been many difficult and trying times but they always managed to get through it and stick it out together. Marie became ill and the stress grew but Mark never gave up on her or their union. Marie recently passed away and although Mark is left with an emptiness he is grateful she is no longer suffering. Mark could definitely use some extra cheer this holiday season.
• Abe and Abby are a formerly houseless couple. After 7 years, they finally found housing they could afford. As a single income household they struggle to make ends meet sometimes. They could use assistance with food and household cleaning supplies, but would especially appreciate gift cards to help make their new house a home.
• Mina is a sweet, quiet single female who recently left a difficult situation and is now trying to navigate life on her own. She does have some cognitive delays and tries her best every day to smile at everyone. Mina requests a kitchen set and laundry supplies, and would appreciate gift cards also.
• Lehua is a single mom with a seven-month-old child. She is celebrating two years of sobriety. After being homeless for a while, she was able to find housing just before having her child. As a single mom it can be sometimes hard to make ends meet. This year she would appreciate some toys for her son, diapers and gift cards for food and bus passes so she is able to get around.
• Margret is a single female who is used to live in her car. She recently moved into her own house, but needs some help with making it a home. She would like some towels, sheets, storage containers and kitchen sets. She would appreciate anything at this time, as she is happy she has a place to call home.
• Ikaika is a single male who recently got into housing, and is struggling as he is used to being out in the elements. He has limited income which is spent on his rent and other essentials. Ikaika is grateful to have a roof over his head, could use some help with making himself comfortable. He is asking for assistance with cleaning and laundry supplies, kitchen utensils and dishes. He would also appreciate some puzzle books and puzzles to help pass the time.
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.
