Today is Giving Tuesday. Originally started in 2012, it has grown into a worldwide movement that inspires millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Many use it as a day dedicated to giving back to nonprofits and causes through donations of time, money or resources. For many nonprofits, it kicks off the end-of-year fundraising season, which can include tax-deductible donations.
There are several ways to participate:
• Donate money: Give to a nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
• Volunteer your time: Offer to help out at a local nonprofit or community organization.
• Start a fundraiser: Use online platforms to create a fundraising page for a specific cause.
• Give in other ways: Participate in activities like paying for a stranger’s coffee, donating to a food bank or helping out a neighbor.
• Spread the word: Use social media to share your support for a cause and encourage others to get involved.
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.
• The King family is a family of six with mom, dad and four children aging from preschool to high school. Both parents work full time and are active in their church and community, teaching the value of serving others to their children. This year the family has been met with a few challenges including losing the home they have been living in for many years and one parent requiring surgery which will keep them out of work for six weeks just as the holidays approach. A little help would go a long way during the holidays.
• Mrs. Rogers has been caring for her two grandchildren for 10 years after their parents were no longer able to care for them. She and her husband were both hardworking parents who supported their children and grandchildren over the past 50 years. Mr. Rogers passed away a few years ago and Mrs. Rogers is now the sole caregiver for her adolescent grandchildren and doing her best to ensure they are doing well in school, involved in extracurricular activities, and healthy, thriving kids. Mrs. Rogers ensures that they do not go without and could use a little extra help this holiday season.
• This mom is currently houseless but working on housing applications and has a 3-month-old baby, in need of hygiene assistance, baby supplies diapers, wipes, formula, baby carriers and sleeper. Mom is working on locating a job, so clothing for interviews, new clothing for postpartum toys for older children for holidays are much needed.
• Larias Ronald is single mother of four, almost having lost her children. Due to childbirth complications, she is now out of work trying to provide for kids, who need new clothing, items for holidays such as toys to partake in the festivities they once used to do. Larias was bedridden for the last month of her pregnancy, and has struggled with postpartum. She would appreciate any support given to her and her children during this time.
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, https://zonta.vbotickets.com/donations/7678, 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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