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.
• Mika and Emmanuel are a young couple with a 7-month-old child. They have been on their own since they found out they were expecting a baby. After living in their car and sleeping at different beach parks during Emma’s pregnancy, they finally found a place to call home. They are a single-income household, and after rent they have little left. They are only asking for items for their baby. They would appreciate diapers, clothes and gift cards for food.
• Jason is an elderly man,who after the pandemic found himself homeless. Since then he has experienced a slew of health and mobility issues. He was fortunate enough to have found housing before the holiday season. Jason could use some help with household cleaning items, utensils and gift cards for food. He states that anything would be appreciated.
• Giselle is a disabled woman who has lived at different parks or spaces around the island. She struggles with daily living activities. She recently found stable housing and has people that come in and help her with cleaning and cooking. As a result of her limited income she can barely afford items such as food storage containers, kitchen items and cleaning supplies, also gift cards for food would be appreciated.
• Ikaika is single male who has been homeless for many years. He suffers from a developmental disability and receives support from family and friends. He was lucky enough to find housing that is able to provide him some independence. He would like to make his new place feel like home and could use curtains, kitchen supplies and bedding supplies. Anything to make it feel homey would be appreciated.
• Heather and Kalani recently moved into housing, after years of being homeless. Heather was in an accident that impairs her mobility and is unable to work, while Kalani is her full-time caretaker. Because of limited income they just have enough to pay rent. They would appreciate kitchen utensils, curtains and gift cards for food.
• Hoda and Jeff are a young family with a child. They are two-income household but are still struggling to make ends meet. They have recently found housing before the holiday season after staying with friends on living room sofas for the last three years. This year, they would like to make the holiday season a special one for their son. They are asking for toys such as cars, Legos and art supplies for him.
• Terri is a young single mom of Tim and Tanya, and is the sole provider for her family. While she works she depends on family and friends to help with childcare. After living in overcrowded conditions, she was finally able to find a home for her family. Although it is small, they are all happy they have their own space. This year for the holiday season, Terri would like to have sci-fi action books and gift cards from Claires or Ross for Tanya. For Tim she would like to get board games, and gift cards for clothes would be appreciated.
• Nikki and Edward are an elderly couple who have been living along the coastline, with limited income. They recently have found stable housing after almost 7 years of being houseless. They are grateful to have found housing, but they could use a little extra help. This year they could use any type of household items, kitchen utensils and bedding supplies.
• Miguel is a caretaker for both his wife Deena and son Sonny. Both Deena and Sonny are disabled and Miguel is the sole income supporter of the family. While Sonny works he only has limited hours. It has been hard for them to find housing they could afford. They recently were offered housing that was in their range; however, money is still tight for them. This year they would appreciate laundry supplies, kitchen supplies and gift cards for food.
• Nani is a grandmother that has custody of her two grandchildren, a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. She is trying to raise her grandchildren while living in her van but that has been difficult. They recently received housing and Nani is happy that were able to get it before the holiday season. This year she would like her grandchildren to have a nice Christmas. For her grandson she is asking for outdoors balls and cars, for her granddaughter she would like to have dolls with clothes but would accept anything.
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.
