EDITOR’S NOTE: The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again 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
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again 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.
Help an elder stay independent
Elena Summers, 91, lives alone, has numerous health problems and hardly goes anywhere. She moved to Kaua‘i from the Mainland five years ago to be closer to her family but because of economic problems her daughter- and son-in-law moved to the Mainland. Elena could not move with them because of health problems but her grandson and stepson still live on the island.
Elena now rents on her own and pays utilities. Her only income is her Social Security and because she is just above the poverty level she is not able to receive full assistance from the state.
After paying for her rent, utilities, groceries and prescriptions she does not have very much left to buy any personal articles or toiletries when needed. Mrs. Summers is a very humble and giving person. With the holidays upon us, any help to make her holidays brighter would be appreciated.
Brighten an old lady’s holiday
Harriet Opaeka’a is a 70-year-old who rents a home with her son who only works part-time so he can be able to be home to care for her.
Opaeka’a is on 24-hour oxygen and has a hard time getting around. Her health has declined since last year, she is very depressed and unhappy.
She does receive health assistance from the state and also HUD, but after helping her son buy groceries, paying for her high electric bill and her oxygen they do not have much left to buy any personal items that they need. To brighten up their holiday spirit any help would be appreciated.
Keep a positive attitude
Marianna Escalona is 82 years old and lives alone. She owns her home and is very proud of it. Marianna is a very proud person and always cheerful even though she is in pain at times.
She was a cab driver for the tourists in her younger days and she has many happy stories to tell. When her husband died several years ago she discovered he had spent all of their life savings.
Her only source of income is her Social Security benefits, which does not amount to much. She now qualified for health assistance through the state, but after paying for her utilities and groceries she barely has any money left. Marianna stays positive no matter how hard things get. Any financial support during this holiday season would be greatly appreciated for Marianna.
• Checks should be made payable to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e HI 96766. For more information, call Dimples Kano at 822-9882.
