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.
• Daisy and Duke came from homelessness to secure housing in 2024. Living out of their truck was their means of being home. Through diligence and the goal of finding a home to call their own, both employed themselves. Limited income goes to rent, bills and to put food on the table. Skills in gardening have helped in getting healthier produce to add to their meals. Daisy and Duke are always willing to share their produce with others in need. The bonus in their gardening is, the homeliness, maintained area, and a method to relax. Food is always appreciated and car maintenance parts to help get their transportation going are much needed.
• This young family was houseless for 2 years. Living out of their car, at the park or beach, proved to be challenging for them. Gina and George came to secure housing earlier this year. Limited income pays rent and bills. Food and baby supplies would be greatly appreciated.
• Coming to secure housing has provided Tabitha opportunities to improve her quality of life. Challenges do occur with everyday life, and she continues to battle through them, keeping focused on her family unit. Food and toiletries would be greatly appreciated.
• Iris and her two daughters, Ivy and Irene, came to secure housing a few months ago. Iris is soft-spoken and one of her attributes is her organization skills. This helps us help her efficiently as she applies for services and housing. Houseless for 1 ½ years, Iris was able to work and keep Ivy and Irene in school, safe and healthy. Limited income takes care of rent and bills. Food and gas would be greatly appreciated.
• Ursula came to secure housing in late 2024. Houseless for nearly 2 years, she couch surfed at friend’s home. Ursula is always willing to lend a hand and network with all people she meets with vibrancy and kindness. Her artwork may be seen around the island. Ursula continues to be fashionable and sophisticated when she meets with others. Limited income goes to rent and bills. Food is greatly appreciated.
• Janet came to secure housing in late 2024. Houseless for 2 years, her temporary home was the beach. Janet likes to collect seashells and other items found on shore. She likes to craft these items so visitors can appreciate what Kauai has to offer. Limited income pays for rent. Food and craft supplies would be greatly appreciated.
• Keith came to secure housing mid-2025. He was houseless and living out of his car while overcoming personal battles. Overcoming those battles has proven that Keith is strong and resilient. When speaking to Keith, he is kind and finds the positive in every aspect of our conversations and life, calling them blessings. Limited income pays for rent and bills. Food and gas would be greatly appreciated.
• Mary has lived on Kauai all her life. She has been houseless for 4 years and came to secure housing in late 2024. Conversations with Mary are always upfront and honest. She will keep you on your toes to remind you if you forget to do something you said you would do. Observant and kind when she speaks, she has a love for helping in the poi process, and shares the poi with others. Mary loves attending church and doing crafts with her peers. Limited income pays for rent. Food would be greatly appreciated.
• Hal came to secure housing in the summer of the current year. Houseless for 5 years has been tough for the family and they overcame the situation with conviction. Hal works a full-time job, sometimes long hours to assure the family gets food on the table and obtain their basic needs. Coming into adulthood, Haley got employed to help the family make ends meet. Hal and Haley keep the family unit together, working as a team to keep the family whole. Howard is still attending school. Limited incomes go to rent and bills. Food and gas would be greatly appreciated.
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
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