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.
Got gifts for homeless kids?
George has been homeless with his children for over 10 years. His past situations with the law prevent him from getting any subsidized housing and decent employment. He has done a wonderful job raising his children, in that they are respectful and well behaved. Yet they have suffered by not having a house so they can bring friends home from school. Lynn, the 13 year old, and her sister Lea, 10 years old, would each like an ‘ukulele. While the boys, Jon (age 10) and Ike (age 5) would like their own fishing poles and tackle boxes. Case # GZ/H.28
Vietnam War vet needs rental home
Michael has been homeless for over 19 years. He is a veteran who fought for our country in Vietnam. He finally went in to the V.A to find out what benefits he qualifies for. He will be receiving a VASH HUD voucher hopefully this month. Michael is looking for a suitable and affordable rental. Michael could really use a new bed and linens. Case # GZ/H.29
Photo albums would overjoy man
Richard found out this year that he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. It has been really hard on him, since he was a very active person all his life and now he is no longer able to do the things he enjoyed. He has boxes of pictures that he would love to be able to put into photo albums, but they are too expensive to buy on his limited income. He really would be overjoyed to receive a set of them. Case # GZ/H.30
Recovering addict hopes for microwave
Ralph was homeless for over five years because of a substance abuse problem. He’s been sober for one year and three months now. He is in his own house enjoying his alcohol-free life. He really could use a microwave and some food for the holidays. Case # GZ/H.31
Tutu needs air mattress, bedding
Patty is an elderly grandmother who moved here to help her children out by taking care of her grandchildren so her grown children could work. Then the plan backfired when the economy failed. Her children all lost their jobs and her life savings has been used up. She has no income and has had problems getting a proper ID and birth certificate. This has hindered her from being able to get help. Patty needs to know what a good mother she is for giving up her own life to try and help her family out and it wasn’t her fault it didn’t turn out the way she thought it was going to. She really could use a brand new air mattress, pillow, pillowcase, sheets and bed spread to match. Case # GZ/H.32
Homeless family has many needs
Roy is homeless with his five children. Roy became disabled due to an infection and he is unable to work at the same job. He is working with vocational rehabilitation to get trained for a new career. It will be awhile before he can save up enough money to rent again. They really could use a bigger tent and camping supplies. The children could really use some new warm clothes to go back to school after Christmas and shoreline fishing supplies. They all love to fish after school and weekends. Little Sammy could use a new bicycle. Case # GZ/H.33
Backpack, sleeping bag for homeless woman
Sage is a single young woman who is homeless and she is in denial about having a substance abuse problem. She can’t hold down a job for any length of time. She really could use a warm sleeping bag and a backpack. Case # GZ/H.34
Help family celebrate holiday
Rose and Thomas are loving and wonderful parents to their children, Cierra and Tommy. When not at school the children are with their parents spending quality time together. Rose is looking for work and Tomas receives monthly disability assistance. They are renting a two-bedroom apartment and are participants of a transitional housing program. While their fixed income pays for their most basic monthly needs, it will not be enough to purchase gifts for Christmas or to make a special Christmas meal. The children would have a terrific Christmas with new clothes and some games. Mom and Dad are asking for assistance to purchase a turkey and all the trimmings for their holiday meal. In addition, any assistance to help pay for gasoline is greatly appreciated. Case # GZ/H.35
Young family would appreciate help
Leo and Miriam are a young couple and they have two delightful young daughters, Francine and Felicia. Both Leo and Miriam work for the hospitality industry and are hard working people. They live in a two-bedroom rental and are participants of a transitional housing program. They hope to be able to move into permanent housing in the near future. The children could use new clothes and educational toys. Leo and Miriam need new clothes for church and towels for the whole family. In addition, they would be grateful with financial assistance to buy groceries for their Christmas dinner. Case # GZ/H.36
Help out a college student, sons
Leilani is a first-year student in college and works two part-time jobs. She and her two sons rent a two bedroom apartment and are participants of a transitional housing program. Leilani is passionate about work and learning; and looks forward when they will be able to move into permanent housing. When she is not working or going to school, she is busy helping her sons with school assignments and sports. She and her sons would appreciate receiving new clothes, bus passes (as they do not have a car), and groceries to cook a special Christmas meal. The family could also use several sets of towels. They are thankful for the caring assistance they have been given to move from an unpredictable beach environment and into a warm and safe home. Case # GZ/H.37