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.
• Nancy came to secure housing in mid-2025. Houseless for 2 ½ years, she had been living in her vehicle. Nancy is a hard-working person, appreciated by those who work around her. She goes out of her way to ensure the work environment is clean, safe and clear of hazards. Soft-spoken and pleasant to have around, Nancy likes to relax at home after a hard day’s work. Her limited income pays for rent and bills. Food and gas would be greatly appreciated.
• A great-grandmother who is disabled is taking care of her great-grandkids and needs food, cleaning supplies, snack food and anything else. Gift cards for groceries and some basic necessities would provide some holiday cheer.
• A couple is elderly and financial strapped. Any help is greatly appreciated, such as cleaning items, gift certificates for food or to have help around the house.
• Nia Bop is a 14-year-old female who is intellectually disabled and requires the use of a g-tube and wheelchair. She resides with her parents and siblings in Lihue and is currently attending Kauai High School. She has a Personal Assistance Habilitation worker who works on her goals to increase her independence. One of her goals is to be able to increase her mobility. The request is for financial assistance to make her home environment more accessible as well as having the appropriate tools to increase her muscle strength. Any assistance would be appreciated.
• Kai Gem is a 34-year-old male who is intellectually disabled with cerebral palsy, seizures and other health medical conditions. He resides with his family in Hanamaulu and has a Personal Assistance Habilitation worker who works on his goals to increase her independence. The request is for funding to purchase wipes as his family uses their out-of-pocket monies to purchase wipes from Costco monthly. Thank you for any assistance that you are able to support for Kai and his family.
• Moku Mysterio is a 27-year-old male who lives in Hanamaulu with his mother and stepfather. Moku is disabled and requires someone to always be with him. He has extended family that helps with taking care of Moku. Any funding assistance to support his family with everyday expenses will be most appreciated.
• Dee Tea is a 31-year-old female with mild intellectual disability and diabetes. She resides with a caregiver and her family in Lihue. Dee enjoys listening to music and surfing the Internet. Her goal is to one day live independently. She currently works part-time at a restaurant to increase her independence skills and Personal Assistance to support her healthy living. The request is for any financial assistance to keep supporting her healthy living by exercising regularly at a gym and eating a healthy diet.
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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