In years past, Meleana was isolated and lonely. But the 81-year-old today likes to go out in the community and look for pretty earrings and bright-colored bangles. Her health is good. Window shopping is something she loves to do.
In years past, Meleana was isolated and lonely.
But the 81-year-old today likes to go out in the community and look for pretty earrings and bright-colored bangles. Her health is good. Window shopping is something she loves to do.
Meleana has lived in an adult foster home most of her life, but visits her elderly sibling a few times a year. Money is limited and she struggles to buy basic things.
Meleana is one of those who will receive assistance through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
Each donated dollar is carefully recorded, accounted for and spent wisely.
The Garden Island encourages individuals, families, clubs, schools and businesses to rally behind the Christmas Fund.
Donations are distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make wishes come true.
Only monetary donations can be accepted. Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI, 96766.
Information: Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, chair of The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund Committee, 822-4517.
The following are more stories of people who could use help through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund. While the names have been changed, the situations described are real.
Rough road for baby boy
Five-month-old Ed was born 10 weeks early. He stayed at Kapiolani Hospital for the first two months and then he was able to come home. His health has been good but he is behind in his development so he’s been receiving physical therapy. He lives with his mom, dad and grandmother. Because the family was worried about his health, mom only recently went back to work part time.
Needs clothes, boots
Coming out of drug rehabilitation, Alex has moved into a clean and sober home. Since he was in jail, his wife divorced him and is not allowing him to see his children. He has realized that there are consequences for bad choices and is working on making his life better. Ultimately, he is working toward mending his relationship with his children. In the meantime, Alex is in need of new clothing and work boots.
Hoping for good health
Mickey, 18, is intellectually disabled with autism and nutrition concerns. He lives in Omao with his single mother and is close to his family. He attends Kauai High School and wants to someday own his own recycling company. He has a personal assistance worker who helps him on his goals to increase his independence, but Mickey fails to thrive and continues to need other food supplements besides his normal meals. The request is for assistance in helping the family purchase poi to help give Mickey the proper vitamins and nutrients he needs to remain healthy.
