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.
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.
The following are some stories we would like to share with our readers.
• Susan, a recently homeless kupuna, is diligently seeking housing and striving to meet her personal needs. Living on a fixed income and facing health challenges, she has a limited family support system on the island that can assist her. Despite her circumstances, Susan remains optimistic and is open to working, even with her health issues. Any assistance in obtaining her daily essentials would be greatly beneficial to her.
• Amy lives off a fixed income. After years of being homeless, Amy has successfully resided in public housing for 3 years. Amy suffers from frequent migraines and the only thing that helps is to be in a dark, cool room. Amy needs an air-conditioner to help alleviate her condition.
• Von is a good son who tries his best to listen to his mother and stay out of trouble. He would like some new clothes and a cell phone. He is a male with a disability. To his credit, he is employed part-time and is a contributing member of society. He is on a tight budget and would like some new clothes and shoes for Christmas.
• Benny is a young male with a disability that requires constant supervision. His parents work hard to support him. Benny wants toys for Christmas and his parents would appreciate any help.
• Aunty is 78 years old, living alone, receives under $1,000 a month income and needs physical assistance with transferring and personal care. She requires assistance with all of her daily needs and the limited income coming in monthly makes it hard for her to purchase things she needs like bed pads, dry shampoo, Depends, cleaning supplies, etc.
• John, a senior citizen, resides on a limited income. He recently lost his former rental home due to water damage and is now in a temporary living arrangement. Much of his time is spent seeking activities outside his current unit, which proves difficult given his financial constraints. A gift certificate for gas or food would greatly assist him.
• Morgan lives alone on a small fixed monthly income. He depends on a wheelchair to get him around both in his home and when out for appointments or errands. With weakness in both legs he has a hard time doing anything physical like cleaning his home or even preparing a simple meal. Morgan was rushed to Oahu for emergency surgery earlier this year and now depends on his friends/neighbors to assist with things like taking out his trash and getting to doctor’s appointments. Morgan would appreciate cleaning supplies and non-perishable food.
• Georgia has faced numerous health challenges in the past year, necessitating her withdrawal from work. Her supportive spouse is also experiencing health-related issues, further affecting their household income. Assistance with daily necessities such as groceries and gas would be greatly beneficial for them.
• Uncle Palani is 74 years old, lives alone, is wheelchair and homebound. Back in the day he was an avid water and fisherman, Uncle Palani loves to Walaau and reminisces of his days out on the ocean. Uncle Palani doesn’t get out much, lives on a fixed income and is supposed to have surgery but has put it off a few times. He lives a simple life and does not have or ask for much. His family lives on island are very supportive but work full time jobs. Uncle Palani would be very surprised and grateful to receive anything to brighten up his holiday season.
• Brad is a lively young man who has an intellectual disability. Brad lives with his mother and enjoys spending time in the community, watching sporting events and playing games on his phone. Brad recently lost his grandmother whom he was closest to. Brad struggles with communication and would benefit from some new clothes and shoes for the upcoming year.
