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.
• These parents were ordered to mediation by Family Court and have twin daughters that are 8 months old. The mother lives in Wainiha and the father lives in Anahola. The mother and father are in mediation, and agree to use the Family Wizard, which is a way to communicate by texts between co-parents. It costs money to use Family Wizard and money is tight for them; however, through this process they are committed to doing what is best for their twin daughters.
• Lucile is a single female who has been homeless the last few years. With limited funds, she could barely afford rent and was staying at different beach parks around the island. She was able to find housing and now needs help with making her home comfortable. She is asking for bathroom, kitchen and laundry supplies and would be grateful for anything.
• Lydia is young adult who found herself homeless after aging out of the system. She has been living at different beach parks around the island and stays hidden to keep herself safe. With assistance from friends, she was able to find herself housing and is learning how to manage her finances to keep a roof over her head. This year, Lydia is requesting gift cards for food and other necessities for her home. She is thankful for anything people are able to donate.
• Helen is an elderly woman living alone on limited income, has hip and memory problems as well as arthritis. She needs help in some essentials for her home and for other living expenses.
• Jaime is a single mother of an active 2-ear-old daughter. She is striving to reinvent herself and heal after leaving an abusive relationship. Jaime enjoys bike riding, beach days and adventuring with her daughter whenever she is not working. Her daughter enjoys building blocks, pretend cooking and anything learning related or creative.
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.
