Jennifer is having a difficult year. The single mother is a survivor of domestic abuse. She lives in a rental house with her two children, Lisa and Andrew. In the absence of her children’s father, she has taken on financial
Jennifer is having a difficult year.
The single mother is a survivor of domestic abuse. She lives in a rental house with her two children, Lisa and Andrew. In the absence of her children’s father, she has taken on financial responsibility for them.
Money is tight but she has enough for basic needs. Lisa attends University of Hawaii-Manoa and hopes to earn a degree in nursing. Andrew attends elementary school.
Their holiday would be bright if Andrew could receive some books, games, and new school clothes. Lisa could use clothing and shoes.
This family is among the many who will receive assistance through the Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
This is a terrific time to donate. An anonymous benefactor through the Hawaii Community Foundation is offering a two-to-one match for every donation to the fund up to $10,000. That means if someone donates $20, the anonymous donor will double that with a $40 gift.
Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano, chair of The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund Committee, said this is the first time in the fund’s history that an offer to double donations has been made.
The need is great this year.
More than 600 children and adults are seeking assistance through the program. Social service agencies submitted about 275 cases for those seeking help.
The Garden Island encourages individuals, families, clubs, schools and businesses to rally behind the Christmas Fund.
Each donated dollar is recorded, accounted for and spent wisely.
Donations are distributed by Zonta Club members through gift certificates.
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.
There is another great way to pitch in.
A CD release party is coming up to benefit the TGI/Zonta Christmas Fund.
Gaylord’s at Kilohana is hosting the release of Malani Bilyeu’s new CD “Water Songs” from 3-5 p.m. Sunday.
Bilyeu is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and a singer, songwriter and composer. All of the songs on “Water Songs” are original compositions.
Tickets for the CD release party are $10, with all proceeds to the Zonta/Garden Island Christmas Fund. Tickets are available from Zonta Club of Kauai members or by calling Gaylord’s, 245-9593.
The following are 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.
Family just getting by
Ben was just hired to work full time in a hotel. Andrea is a homemaker caring for their young son, Andy. They live in a rental house and are participants of a transitional housing program. The family lives on a tight budget and manages to pay for all their basic needs. This season will be special if Andy could have some new toys, clothes, and a supply of diapers.
High hopes for couple
Sydney and Beatrice are a happy couple who are thankful to have a place to call home. Beatrice is disabled and Sydney is employed full time. Both are looking to own a home and are doing their best to pay off debts and save money for a down payment. Sydney and Beatrice could use some new clothes and blankets for the winter season.
