LIHU‘E — The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again this year and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund. From now through
LIHU‘E — The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again this year and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
From now through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share stories of families who could use a little holiday cheer along with an appeal for monetary donations of any size.
The names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Funds raised will be distributed to needy families by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make these simple wishes come true.
Because of logistical limitations, only monetary donations can be accepted.
Checks made payable to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
For more information, call Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, chair of The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund Committee, 822-9882.
Elderly couple could use some assistance
Mrs. Star is 69 years old and partially paralyzed as a result of a stroke she suffered several years ago. Mr. Star has become her full-time caregiver. At 74 years old he also has health conditions that present a great challenge in caregiving responsibilities. Mrs. Star needs extensive assistance for bathing and Mr. Star is unable to assist her due to his heart condition. This elderly couple lives on a limited monthly income and they both are no longer able to drive. Luckily they can depend on friends and neighbors for help with shopping and transportation to doctors appointments. (D8)
Cost of medical supplies straining
In spite of being blind, Mr. Olen is a 79-year-old widower who was living independently in his own home. A few weeks ago, he had a falling accident and his doctor discovered he not only had a fracture, but he also had pneumonia. Mr. Olen’s health condition has declined and he has gotten very frail from the pneumonia. Mr. Olen’s elderly brother has stepped forward and has taken him into his own home. Mr. Olen’s brother and wife are doing their best to nurse him back to recovery, but the cost of medical supplies has strained their meager income. (D9)
Widower needs a financial boost
Mr. Zucker is a widower in his mid-70s who has recently experienced some very serious health issues that kept him hospitalized for several weeks during which time he lost a very close family member. It has been very challenging for him to concentrate on his own recovery and health while trying to work through his grief at the same time. Fighting physical illness and emotional distress and being alone with no one to help him, Mr. Zucker found himself behind in his financial obligations and is now struggling to stay ahead of the creditors and purchase his much needed medications. These two things combined are making it difficult for him to even purchase food. (D10)
Some of the basics would be appreciated
Mr. Oakly is a widower in his late-70s who lives alone. He has many health problems and visits the doctors numerous times within a month. Recently he lost his supplemental health insurance due to mismanagement of his monies by a trusted family friend. Without supplemental health insurance Mr. Oakly’s finances are stretched beyond their limits and he is having a difficult time just buying the food he needs, not to mention extras as toiletries and cleaning supplies. (D11)
