While most people look forward each year to the merriment and cheer of the holiday season, there are far too many residents who have their hands more than full simply trying to make ends meet on a daily basis. From
While most people look forward each year to the merriment and cheer of the holiday season, there are far too many residents who have their hands more than full simply trying to make ends meet on a daily basis.
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. Funds raised are distributed to needy families by Zonta Club members who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make their simple dreams 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.
Single mom needs clothes and shoes for sons
Annette is a single mother of two boys, 6-year-old Jason and 16-year-old Joshua. They are currently homeless and trying to get by on a small income. Annette has been having problems with a lingering medical condition that is making it more difficult for her to care for her two growing boys. Some small gifts for the family and some clothes and shoes for the boys would be a nice Christmas surprise.
Times are tough for this family
Leila, Robert and their three children have run into some very hard times and have been homeless since May. Robert became very ill, was unable to work and now has difficulty caring for himself. Their 3-year-old daughter, Kassandra, also has a medical condition and is unable to go to school right now. Leila can no longer work because she needs to care for her husband and daughter.
Chelsy, 20, and Devin, 18, are full-time students but do their best to provide moral support for their mother. Leila has tried to find affordable housing for her family but rental prices are so high and they only have Robert’s meager retirement benefits to live on.
The family is in need of a home, but would also greatly appreciate some gifts for the children, especially for Kassandra. A nice, hot holiday dinner would also help this family enjoy their holiday season.
Napua and Kai need holiday joy
Napua is a grandmother who is the foster parent to her 1-year-old grandson Kai. She is currently renting a home, but has been past due with the rent for several months. She is unable to work because she has no child care for her grandson and cannot receive any child care assistance because she does not have legal guardianship of Kai. She tries to get by on the small income she receives on behalf of Kai but most of the money goes toward the rent to keep a roof over their heads.
Napua would greatly appreciate some diapers, clothing and a small gift for Kai this Christmas. A small gift for Napua would also bring them some holiday joy.
Couple still positive despite illness, limited income
Mr. and Mrs. C. are both elderly and live on a fixed income in substandard living conditions. While being a caregiver for her husband who had heart surgery, Mrs. C. also suffered a heart attack and ended up in the hospital with her husband. Despite the many set-backs this couple has had over the years, they remain positive and thankful for the good things they have in life.
Because of their limited income, they use what they have to get by from day to day. As the holidays are approaching, they would be so very appreciative of any type of assistance they might receive to buy groceries or needed household items.
