LIHUE — 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.
• Lehua is a Kauai kupuna who has experienced houselessness for several years. In recent months, she has found it increasingly difficult to manage her circumstances. She continues to actively seek employment; however, limited resources and the loss of her only mode of transportation have made it challenging. Lehua would greatly benefit from grocery store gift cards to help meet her nutritional needs, or gift cards to Walmart or Target to assist with obtaining basic essentials.
• Sara and Elijah are brother and sister and have always been the best of friends. They grew up with very little but as long as they had family they felt blessed. Sara, being the younger sister, always looked up to her big brother Elijah, who took care of her and kept her safe. As they have aged the roles have turned, and now Sara is doing her best to care for Elijah as he ages and has more medical issues and needs.
• Chester has always been a physically strong man, some would say larger than life. A kind man, Chester has always gone out of his way to help others without thinking twice. He had a physically demanding job and loved every minute of. Very unexpectedly and seemingly out of nowhere Chester suffered a stroke that brought the big man to his knees. Not being able to continue work has been emotionally and physically difficult for Chester and he could use some extra holiday cheer this year.
• Karen has had a tough time in life. She grew up poor in an abusive situation that led to self-medication and a struggle with addiction. Growing tired of feeling sick and tired, Karen relocated herself and started over. For several years she was able to move forward and live her new life successfully. Unfortunately, age and the effects of poor choices began to creep up on her and every day is a struggle — financially and physically. Karen could really use some extra holiday cheer.
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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