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.
• Diana is an artist, who has been homeless for the last 9 years and enjoys spending her time giving back to the community by volunteering. She recently found housing and is on a limited income. After rent there is not much left for too many other things. She could use kitchen items, household items and gift cards for food. She would appreciate anything that could be offered to her.
• Connie is retired and was homeless for 7 months before entering the emergency shelter. Prior to this, she was robbed of a her finances and dealt with her identity being stolen. She is a kind woman with a good personality.
• Paul is a single elderly male, who enjoys the outdoors. After being homeless for the last 7 years, he has finally found a place to call home. Paul enjoys riding his bike and would like to take the bus more as this would help him get to places quicker. This year, Paul’s only wish is to be able to get an annual bus pass so he will be able to get around quicker and not have to ride his bike in the rain.
• Miko is woman who enjoys life and loves being outdoors and reading on her Kindle. Miko struggles with mobility issues and uses a walker to get around; because of this her income is limited and she has a hard time getting basic necessities. Miko could use some help with household items like cleaning supplies, food, curtains and gift cards, so that she is able to furnish her new home.
• Bruce is an elderly gentleman who has been living in a run-down building for years. After many tries his support system finally found him a new place to call home. Bruce struggles with change, and is slowly acclimating to his new place. This year Bruce could use help with purchasing basic home furnishings, such as pots, pans, utensils, blankets and gift cards for food. Bruce and his support team would appreciate any kind of household goods.
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.
