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.
• Ling entered our program recently after being homeless for over 3 years. English is her second language which is a barrier for her to gain stable employment, but she still tries. Every day, she goes out and tries to accomplish whatever she can on her part to meet her goals to better her situation. She walks everywhere because she has no income to catch the bus. She rotates her three sets of clothing and belongings that fit into a backpack. She has a positive outlook and is very humble and well-mannered.
• Angel has been homeless for 7 years. She has mental health barriers that keep her from obtaining employment. She doesn’t have much other than clothes and her cell phone. Assistance for some new clothing and personal items would be appreciated.
• Tim has a mild intellectual disability. Tim is an elementary student who lives with family and keeps them busy. Tim enjoys playing with toys, watching TV and being outdoors, preferably swimming. Tim could use new clothing, toys and balls to play with.
• Beverly is an elderly woman who has been homeless for the last 15 years, living in her vehicle in beach parks around the island. Sadly, she is estranged from her family. She recently was able to get into subsidized housing and has a very limited income. This year she would appreciate gift cards and curtains for new home. She would also appreciate any household items.
• John is looking for an opportunity to regain stability in his life. He’s been clean and sober for eight and half months and has been attending drug counseling appointments. John has been working towards getting assistance due to a disability. He has followed through with the criteria as outlined to increase financial stability as he stays in the emergency shelter. He is working diligently for a better future.
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.
