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.
• Elena is a 21-year-old woman who came to the Family Violence Shelter after suffering physical abuse from a new boyfriend. Far away from her family, who live out of state, she is navigating the holidays with a mix of loneliness and courage. Elena has always loved music and writing, and she finds comfort in journaling her thoughts and listening to songs that remind her of home. While she misses her family deeply, she is determined to rebuild her sense of safety and independence. For Christmas, Elena hopes for a new journal, a few personal care and clothing items, and small touches of holiday cheer to brighten her new space. More than anything, she dreams of feeling connected and supported, even while far from loved ones, and of beginning a new chapter filled with peace and possibility.
• David is a 57-year-old man who has endured years of emotional, physical and financial abuse in his marriage. He has sought refuge in the Family Violence Shelter to reclaim his dignity and well-being. David is thoughtful and soft-spoken, with a love for woodworking and storytelling. Though the holidays bring memories of hardship, he chooses to focus on healing and rediscovering joy. For Christmas, David hopes for simple comforts — clothing, a few tools or books, and festive decorations to remind him of brighter days ahead. His greatest wish this season is to experience a holiday that affirms his worth, resilience and the promise of new beginnings.
• David is a 45-year-old male with two daughters, ages 10 and 12. They have been homeless until recently and are now in a secure housing situation. Father wants to provide the girls with a nice Christmas as they have been homeless for most of their lives and he wants them to feel secure about the present. Both girls could use new clothing and it would be nice to have a regular present that was a surprise.
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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