The Paul family is a two parent Marshallese family. The mother is working, but the family is homeless and living out of their vehicle. The family consists of a mom, dad and three sons ages 4, 5 and 13. They
The Paul family is a two parent Marshallese family. The mother is working, but the family is homeless and living out of their vehicle. The family consists of a mom, dad and three sons ages 4, 5 and 13. They have no other family on the island. The only support they have are from family and friends who allow the family to hang out at their homes during the day time.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island is sharing stories of families facing challenges who could use a little holiday cheer. Donations to the Christmas Fund will be distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make their wishes come true. Each donated dollar is carefully recorded, accounted for and spent wisely. Volunteers make this program a reality. There are no paid administrators. Donations go to help individuals and families.
The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund was established in the early 1980s. Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano has been the longtime chair of the Christmas Fund Committee.
Anyone making a donation of $50 or more can have their picture presenting the check published inTGI.
Only monetary donations can be accepted. Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766.
Info: Kano at 822-4517.
The following are more stories of people being assisted by the Christmas Fund. While the names are changed, the situations are real.
w Mrs. Annie Smith is an 85-year-old woman who lives with her son who is also her caregiver. Mrs. Smith is not longer able to walk and is mostly bed-bound. She has a wonderful spirit and is very funny. Even though she requires the dependance of others, she puts the well-being of her family first before her own. She likes to eat soft fruits and vegetables. She loves to watch daytime television. Mrs. Smith would appreciate a nice dinner that she can enjoy at home with her son, and perhaps, a nice fuzzy pair of booties to keep her feet warm while she is in bed watching her favorite TV show.