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.
• Gerald is a quiet gentleman who works diligently and prefers to keep to himself. Despite his best efforts to save, he is only able to work a limited number of hours, which allows him to cover his rent but leaves little for other necessities. This season, Gerald would benefit greatly from support in the form of gift cards for gas, food and household supplies. Such assistance would help ease his financial burden and provide much-needed stability as he continues to work toward greater self-sufficiency.
• Haven is a single woman who has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. She has worked diligently to overcome challenging periods in her life and, through her perseverance, has accomplished a significant milestone by securing housing. Despite her achievements, Haven continues to work hard to cover her rent and manages her finances with great care, living on very limited resources. As she continues to rebuild and strive for stability, Haven would greatly appreciate support this season. Specifically, assistance in the form of colorful bedding and curtains would help brighten her living space. Additionally, gift cards for food and gas would be invaluable, providing her with essential resources as she works toward greater self-sufficiency.
• Ikaika is a single man who works diligently to maintain a positive direction in his life. Despite facing emotional challenges, he demonstrates remarkable resilience by starting each day with optimism and a determination to overcome obstacles. However, these ongoing struggles have made it difficult for him to maintain steady employment. This year, Ikaika is seeking support in the form of gift cards for food. Such assistance would help him meet his essential needs as he continues to work toward stability and self-sufficiency.
• Kainoa is a single man who faces daily challenges due to his disability. Although he can live semi-independently, he relies on a small income and receives support from his family to help meet his basic needs. One of Kainoa’s passions is cooking, and this season, he would benefit greatly from assistance that enables him to pursue this interest. Specifically, kitchen supplies and gift cards for groceries would help.
• Micah is an elderly man who, along with his partner Maile, experienced homelessness for over a year. After a prolonged period without stable housing, they have recently secured a place to live and are currently in the process of adjusting to their new environment. Despite this positive change, Micah and Maile face ongoing challenges as they live on a fixed income, which makes it difficult to meet basic needs. This year, they are seeking assistance in the form of gift cards for food and gas.
• Nick and Nancy are an elderly couple who have faced significant challenges in securing stable housing. After spending years in temporary accommodations, they have finally found a place they can call home and begin to settle into their new environment. Despite both continuing to work to cover their rent, they are not eligible for assistance due to being a two-income household. Nevertheless, they experience ongoing financial difficulties and struggle to make ends meet. This year, Nick and Nancy would benefit greatly from receiving gift cards for groceries and household supplies. Such support would help them manage their basic needs and ease some of the financial strain they face.
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.
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.
Source: The Garden Island