The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kauai 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 newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kauai 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, 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.
Growing vegetables to get by
Attempting to supplement his meager fixed income, Eric has started to grow his own vegetables.
This reduces his grocery cost slightly, but the elderly gentelman has multiple medical needs and uses the majority of his income to pay for prescription drugs. After those high costs, he has little left for clothing and food, items which he would love to receive in order to help him thrive.
Patrick’s stroke leaves him dependent on Lana’s care
It would be a blessing to Patrick and Lana if they were able to get all of the food items they need to host a family get together, especially since Patrick recently suffered a stroke.
The stroke has left him paralyzed, and he is now dependent upon his wheelchair, hospital bed, bathing chair, and a lift to help him through his day.
On top of that, Patrick has diabetes, vision impairment, high blood pressure, seizures and incontinence.
Lana is his main caregiver and she is also affected by some medical ailments.
Single mother cares for sick grandmother
Roxanne has recently experienced major medical problems that require a live-in caregiver to provide her with daily assistance. She now lives with her granddaughter, Dawn, who is a single mother of two children. With the urgent task of caring for her grandmother and raising her two children, Dawn is unable to work. The family lives on a limited income from Social Security and food stamps. They recently had to use savings to help pay for the security deposit and moving expenses to move into a new rental that would properly accommodate a family of four and Roxanne’s disabilities. Any gifts such as new clothing and toys for the kids would be greatly appreciated.
• 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 HI 96766-6032. For more information, contact Dimples Kano at 822-9882.