Staff at The Garden Island newspaper and members of the Zonta Club of Kauai are again teaming up this year, and asking members of the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/The Garden Island
Staff at The Garden Island newspaper and members of the Zonta Club of Kauai are again teaming up this year, and asking members of the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/The Garden Island Christmas Fund.
Most people look forward each year to the merriment and cheer of the holiday season, but there are far too many residents who barely make ends meet every day, Zonta Club members said.
From now through Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, 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. Gift certificates and used or new items, while appreciated, should not be submitted.
Checks should be written to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation 501(c)3. Donations are tax-deductible, and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, c/o Joy Miura Koerte, P.O. Box 3996, Lihu’e, HI 96766.
For more information, contact Joy at 245-3677.
Single dad hopes for merry Christmas
Brad is a single dad struggling to raise his 18-month-old daughter, Nancy, on a modest salary from a parttime job. Mom lives in a separate household, and struggles with her own challenges. Brad is a very-supportive single parent who is devoted to his daughter, but without the community’s help, he won’t be able to give her a merry Christmas.
Life is a challenge for elderly couple
Albert, 95, and Jean, 84, live together in an apartment on a very-low income. Although both are frail and have lots of medical problems, Jean tries her best to be the full-time caregiver to her husband, who suffers from respiratory problems. Daily activities are a challenge for them, and they try to make ends meet each —month on their limited income and government assistance, and with very limited family support.
The holiday spirit of giving and caring would make a difference for this couple. Help with buying groceries would make it a joyous holiday season for them.
Malia wishes for gift for her child
Malia is a 26-year-old, single mother with a 4-year-old child. While Malia just recently obtained a full-time job with medical benefits, she still struggles to make ends meet every month in her single-income household. Malia is a caring and dedicated mom whose greatest desire is to raise her child in a loving, safe home.
Food and clothing would lessen the tension on a very tight budget. The possibility of getting a gift for her child this holiday season would not only bring a smile to her child’s face, but cast a ray of sunshine on Malia’s as well.
Leilani venturing into work world
Leilani is a 19-year-old female who is developmentally challenged. Despite her disability, Leilani has been able to attend high school, but this will be her last year. She resides at a care home. At the end of the month, after her living expenses are paid for, Leilani has only $30 to spare.
With the assistance of representatives of many community agencies, Leilani is preparing to enter the world of work with pre-employment activities and training in order to become independent.
Clothing would help Leilani in her job-seeking attempts. A gift card would allow her to buy sundries and other necessities.
