Pensions barely cover medical bills
The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up this year, and 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 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.
Food items would benefit Jaime and Connie
Jaime and Connie are both hearing- and visually-impaired, and suffer from heart problems and respiratory conditions. Connie also hurts from painful arthritis. Since their children live on O‘ahu, they lack immediate family support. Also, they are forced to use most of their pension towards paying for costly prescription drugs and medical bills. Jaime and Connie need some help getting food and other household items.
Lisa cannot provide for herself
Lisa needs some help this Christmas. She is 82 years old, and unwell with heart problems and other medical infirmities. Unable to provide for herself, she would be most happy if she received some much needed food and Ensure to better her physical well being.
Family of six lived in car
A single day, let alone several months, is far too long to have to live in your car; Mark and Missy had to do just that, for many days, because they lived in their car at a beach park.
They have three beautiful daughters and a healthy baby boy. Their girls, Marcy, Mary and Maddy, love their little brother who has brought so much joy to their parents in such a time of hardship. Mark now works full-time but it is still not enough to sustain his growing family.
Missy has also gone back to work, but even with her contribution, the family has fallen behind in financial responsibilities and are now trying to catch up. They have received temporary housing and are actively seeking something more permanent. In the meantime, the family would like to sit down to a holiday meal at Christmas, and thereafter, mom and dad could also use some financial assistance.
• Checks should be written to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible, and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, c/o Dimples Kano, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e HI 96766-6032. For more information, contact Dimples Kano at 822-9882.