LIHU‘E — 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.
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-Kaua‘i.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
The following are some of stories we would like to share with our readers.
• George is a single person, who was staying in an emergency homeless shelter. While there, he applied and was hired as a prep cook for a small restaurant business. George was referred to a transitional shelter apartment and moved into his new unit. For this holiday season, George could use a new set of cooking knives for his new job.
• Jason, Mele, and their three children — Brandon, Kari, and Lina — were unsheltered homeless living in their vehicle on the southside of the island. They were living with family for a few months, but were asked to leave due to overcrowding.
Jason is employed and Mele just gave birth to their third child last month. The family has been unable to locate affordable housing, and recently were placed in the emergency homeless shelter. For the holidays, Jason could use a new pair of work boots, Mele could use some new clothes, the family would like to have a new infant car seat, diapers, wipes for the newborn and educational toys for the children.
• Irene is a single homeless person, who was staying in an emergency homeless shelter until she was referred to a transitional shelter. She is currently living in this shelter. Irene has SNAP benefits and is in the process of applying for social security disability benefits.
Irene, in the last year, has seen several specialists for her debilitating physical condition. The holiday season would be special if she had a new comforter and bedding to keep her warm with the cold weather months of winter ahead.
• Janet was living in a makeshift shack with no running water or electricity before she was placed in an emergency shelter for homeless persons. She lives on a fixed income from social security and SNAP benefits. Janet has been working on obtaining personal documents, so she can apply for affordable housing. Any assistance would be appreciated.
• Mele lost her job, and then her apartment because she had no money to pay for her rent. Mele is a single homeless woman, who entered the emergency homeless shelter recently. She applied for HUD Housing Choice Voucher and welfare assistance.
• Bonnie is a single homeless woman who is physically disabled. She entered the emergency homeless shelter and has since improved most of her multiple health conditions. Bonnie lives on fixed income from social security and has SNAP benefits. She is on the wait list for a housing voucher. so she can obtain affordable housing for senior citizens. Any assistance would be appreciated.
• Jerry is a single, homeless person with multiple health conditions. He receives monthly social security benefits. Jerry was placed in an emergency homeless shelter, and he has been waiting for placement in an assisted care home for several months. Any assistance would be appreciated.
