The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kauai are teaming up again this year, asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/The Garden Island Christmas Fund. From now through Christmas Eve,
The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kauai are teaming up again this year, asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/The Garden Island Christmas Fund.
From now through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, The Garden Island will share stories of families who could use a little holiday cheer along with an appeal for monetary donations of any size. The names have been changed to protect their privacy. Funds raised will be distributed to needy families by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make these simple wishes come true.
Because of logistical limitations, only monetary donations can be accepted. Gift certificates and used or new items, while appreciated, should not be submitted.
Ronald needs a robe
Getting dressed and undressed every day is a simple task for most people, but imagine not being able to put on or remove clothing by yourself because it is too difficult. Imagine choosing to be without clothing on most days, as does Ronald, a 61-year-old gentleman who lives alone and is confined to a wheelchair. Ronald would greatly appreciate a robe or other type of clothing that won’t hinder his daily activities. He also needs a new lamp.
Accident prohibits full-time work
Accidents can change lives in seconds, and for Esther, a single parent with two teenage daughters, her ability to provide for her family ended recently when she suffered an injury to her hands from work in the construction industry. No longer able to work full-time and wholly dependent on social services for housing and food items, she still cannot meet all of her financial responsibilities, even after qualifying for SSI. Just as Esther is dependent on social services, her two daughters depend on her and she’d like nothing more than to give her children some nice gifts such as clothing or other items appropriate for teen girls to brighten their holidays. Spending time with her daughters is very important to Esther and she’d love to sit down to a nice family dinner to make Christmas extra special.
Widow in deep distress
Sometimes when we lose a loved one, especially a husband or wife, we lose ourselves and become distraught with grief. Naty recently lost her husband and in addition to her anguish, she also suffers from dementia, often wanting nothing more than to watch television all day. And the selflessness of a parent has been passed on to her children: Her daughter has taken early retirement so she can care for Naty during the day; her son and daughter-in-law stay with her at nights so that Naty does not hurt herself. Naty would enjoy the holidays more if she received the gifts of a nice night gown and some house slippers.
• Checks should be written to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible, and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, c/o Dimples Kano, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e 96746-6032. For more information, contact Dimples Kano at 822-9882.
