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.
The following are some stories we would like to share with our readers.
• Julia is a single mother of three daughters, ages 2, 3 and 4. Julia works full-time; however, with the three girls, money is tight to buy the little “extras.” Julia goes to thrift stores for all their clothes. It would be nice to provide the family with some new clothes.
• Kina is a 61-year-old women who is houseless. She is on disability from work as she fell and hasn’t been the same since. She loves to cook but does not have good pots to cook in and would love new pots, clothing and a bike. Although she drives, she shouldn’t because she has no license. She is able to live independently but still need a little direction.
• Michelle is a 53-year-old woman dealing with health issues. She really is in need of a phone, clothes and a purse. She just got housed and is trying her best to fit right into her home. She is grateful for whatever she has and is very shy to ask for help.
• Billy is a 63-year-old man with cancer. He is undergoing treatment but in good spirits. He loves making shell lei and spending time reflecting on family. He does need a car but gets around on the bus very nicely. Having a bike would be nice for him too.
• Harry is a 67-year-old disabled single man living alone. He really needs to be in a long-term facility where someone can oversee him 24/7. He loves alcohol but is trying to stop drinking. He likes reading the Bible as it brings him joy. He needs a better walking device to get him around.
• Kyle is a 31-year-old single man living on the streets. He needs a phone to keep him in contact with his family. He was just assisted with SNAP benefits and very grateful for it. He loves the beach and drawing ocean scenery. He wishes he had a bike to get around.
• Gina is a woman in her 40s who is in a wheelchair. She loves to draw but has difficulty using her hands at times. She is very grateful to be housed. She loves to buy dresses and make-up. Her dog is her best friend and would love a doggy bed for her.
• Joseph is a 48-year-old man with disabilities and in the Housing First program. He deals with mental health issues. He is in need of a phone card and a bike. He lives alone as he recently lost his best friend, his dad.
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.
