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, at 822-9882.
Help family put presents under tree
Tanya is the youngest of four children. She has a genetic condition, which has resulted in developmental delays. Mother is unable to work in order to care for her, so the family depends only on father’s income to support the family. They are able to meet their daily needs, but there is little money for any extras. It would brighten the children’s Christmas to find presents under the tree this holiday. Case # GZ/E.13
Brighten this ‘ohana’s holiday
Jane is the third child in this family of five. She was born with genetic abnormalities and is in fragile health. The family lives in one room in a house, with a shared living room, kitchen and bathroom. The parents both work, but only have enough money to pay for their day-to-day expenses and rent. Having a holiday dinner and a few presents under the tree would make this season special for the entire family, especially the children.
Case # GZ/E.14
2 year old would love presents
James is two years old and severely developmentally delayed. He is unable to sit by himself, walk or communicate verbally. He was unable to eat on his own, so he has a feeding tube to give him nutrition. Recently, he has had to be flown to O‘ahu for medical appointments, so mother has to take off from work frequently. The family would love to put some special toys under the tree for James. He especially likes anything with action and music. Case # GZ/E.15
Family appreciates charity
Emily is a 27-month-old child with a severe hearing loss in one ear. She receives therapy from Easter Seals on Kaua‘i due to a speech delay. The family consists of the parents and two older siblings who returned home due to limited employment opportunities. Due to financial strain the parents have been unable to purchase toys or new clothing. They would very much appreciate any financial assistance given to purchase toys and clothing. Case # GZ/E.16
Mother grateful for clothes, toys
Jocelyn is a 27-month-old child who required surgery due to feeding difficulties. Jocelyn lives with her parents in a small rental home. She receives therapy from Easter Seals on Kaua‘i due to developmental delays. The parents do their best to provide for Jocelyn, but due to financial strain, they are limited in what they can purchase.
They would appreciate any financial assistance to be able to purchase clothing and a few toys. Case # GZ/E.17
Help family have a happy holiday
Norma is a 27-month-old child who lives with her mother and two siblings in a small rental unit. Norma receives therapy from Easter Seals due to developmental delays. Mother struggles to make ends meet as much as the money she earns goes to pay for Norma’s daycare. Mother would appreciate toys or clothing for Norma as she has been unable to purchase these things for her. Case # GZ/E.18
Puzzles, baby clothes would help 2 year old
Kaya is a 26-month-old child with speech delays and limited attention span. She receives therapy services from Easter Seals on Kaua‘i. The family consists of the parents, Kaya, and her five siblings. Both parents work alternate schedules to care for the children and have found it challenging to make ends meet. They would appreciate clothing, puzzles and a few toys as they have been unable to provide these things for her. Case # GZ/E.19
Mom appreciates any help for keiki, job hunting
Pualani is a single mom who has been trying to find full-time employment. About three months ago she was reunited with her daughter, Kalei, who is a one year old.
She has been able to find a daycare for her; however, she needs to catch the bus to drop Kalei off and then get back on the bus to apply for jobs.
She could use help with baby clothes, toys and diapers. Pualani could also use some professional work clothes for job interviews and a bus pass.
Case # GZ/H.1
Small family needs help
Natalie is working full-time to support her family and is living paycheck to paycheck.
Jordon has been trying to find jobs, but is unsuccessful.
He does try to pick opihi when he can at the beach and sells them; however, he says that it is not stable and provides no benefits for his family. In the meantime, Jordon watches their son, Kasey, while Natalie works.
They do all that they can to make sure that their son gets what he needs, and sometimes have to go without necessities just to afford rent and utilities.
They could use help with purchasing household items, clothes and toys for Kasey.
Case # GZ/H.2
Single parent wishes for diapers, clothing
Rebecca is a single parent of three boys, Jacob, Josh, and Chris. Jacob is 13 and mildly autistic, Josh is 3, and Chris is only 2 months old. Rebecca and her children live on a very limited income, which barely pays the bills.
Rebecca also flies to O‘ahu with Jacob to get him medical treatments that are not available to him here on Kaua‘i.
Her expenses do not leave much for necessities. Recently, Josh’s shoes broke and had to use his mom’s sandals to get around.
Rebecca and the boys could use diapers, wipes, clothes, and shoes for the kids.
Case # GZ/H.3