Autumn is a happy, older woman who is in a place where she feels safe. She came out of a long, abusive relationship by running away and starting over. She has a big heart and even though she is not
Autumn is a happy, older woman who is in a place where she feels safe. She came out of a long, abusive relationship by running away and starting over. She has a big heart and even though she is not employed, will do whatever it takes to help others. She could use some household items and blankets.
Karen is a senior in high school, but as soon as she turned 18, her mother forced her out of the house. She is homeless and is seeking shelter with relatives. Her goal is simply to find a part-time job to support her new lifestyle and graduate with her class. During the holidays, she would love a gift card to purchase school supplies, food and daily necessities.
These are a few of the stories of those who will receive help through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share stories of families facing challenges who could use a little holiday cheer. Donations to the Christmas Fund will be distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make their wishes come true. Each donated dollar is carefully recorded, accounted for and spent wisely. Volunteers make this program a reality. There are no paid administrators. Donations go to help individuals and families. The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund was established in the early 1980s. Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano has been the longtime chair of the Christmas Fund Committee.
Organizers say donations are off to a strong start and they appreciate all contributions.
Anyone making a donation of $50 or more can have their picture presenting the check published in TGI. 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.
Info: Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano at 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.
w A family of four siblings lives with their single grandmother. They do not see their disabled father often, but their mother visits them when she can. They have been neglected and abandoned at times, but they are stable with their grandmother. The children are active and like age-appropriate indoor and outdoor toys.
w Trevor was born and raised on Kauai and has spent most of his life homeless or in a shelter across the island. His parents struggle to maintain employment due to medical challenges, which makes providing for Trevor’s needs difficult. Trevor lacks basic needs such as clothing, shoes and toiletries. To deal with the stress of the situation, Trevor likes to bodyboard. Some new fins or a bodyboard, and supplying him with the basic needs, would help make the holiday season a little brighter for him and his family.
