LIHU‘E — 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 Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund. From now through
LIHU‘E — 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 Garden Island/Zonta 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.
Checks made payable to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
For more information, call Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, chair of The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund Committee, 822-9882.
Nothing for extras
Mr. Senosa is a widower in his mid-60s who is battling cancer for the second time. After a year of being cancer free, Mr. Senosa was given the devastating diagnosis of another form of cancer earlier this year.
He has been battling depression along with the cancer, but he’s determined to beat it again. Not being able to work and still needing very expensive treatments has caused some financial struggles for Mr. Senosa.
He has been able to keep up with absolute necessities, but there is nothing left over for extras such as a new pajamas or a new jacket. (D12)
Struggling to purchase the necessities
Mrs. Fleming is 81 years old and is a caregiver for her spouse 24/7. Mr. Fleming has numerous health problems and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The daily caring of her husband includes bathing, meal preparation and taking care of his personal hygiene keeps her busy and without time for her own care. With a limited income of Social Security benefits only, Mrs. Fleming struggles to purchase necessities of her own. Any support for Mrs. Fleming during this holiday season would be greatly appreciated. (D13)
Friends forever
Mrs. Burnham is 65 years old. She is a widower who lives alone in her old plantation home. All of her children are grown and have moved out of her house. Her only friend lives in a long-term care facility and every day Mrs. Burnham catches the bus and travels well over an hour each way to visit with her friend.
She is her friend’s only visitor and Mrs. Burnham refuses to disappoint her friend despite her own decline in her health.
A devoted friend for life, Mrs. Burnham could use support of her own during this holiday season. (D14)
Barely making ends meet
Mr. James and Cora Frazer have been married for 60 years. They both are frail and suffer from numerous health conditions. Mrs. Frazer recently had a stroke and now Mr. Frazer has become her full time caregiver.
They don’t see their friends anymore and they no longer go anywhere. Their only income is their Social Security, which is just a few dollars above poverty level, making them ineligible to receive full assistance from the state. After paying for rent, utilities, groceries and prescriptions they do not have very much left to buy any personal articles or toiletries. Mr. and Mrs. Frazer, are very humble and giving person. With the holidays upon us any help to make their holidays brighter would be appreciated. (D15)
