Jacob’s family has been living on the beach for about two years now after his father, who is the only one able to work, got fired. Jacob’s mom is disabled and he has two younger sisters. He often has to
Jacob’s family has been living on the beach for about two years now after his father, who is the only one able to work, got fired. Jacob’s mom is disabled and he has two younger sisters. He often has to watch the girls for long hours while his parents sell drugs to make money for food. There are many times they go hungry. Jacob got caught stealing a pair of pants since his family couldn’t afford any new clothes and is now on probation. Jacob would love a new sleeping bag to keep him warm and a tent to provide shelter for his family.
Another person facing trying times this Christmas is Kane. The 23-year-old has Fragile X syndrome. He resides with his mother in Kapaa. Kane has a personal assistance rehabilitation worker who works on his goals of being more independent. Kane enjoys listening to music, playing sports and doing yard work. His goal is to one day begin a landscaping business.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island is sharing 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. 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: Kano at 822-4517.
The following are more stories of people being assisted by the Christmas Fund. While the names are changed, the situations are real.
– Suzie and Bill are seniors who appreciate the $200 SNAP benefit they receive to purchase food. They try to plan their monthly budget around this but find that they need to also go to food pantries to get by because their basic utilities and other expenses keep increasing. Recently, Suzie was diagnosed with a health issue that required her to purchase multiple medications which cost about $100 per month. Suzie and Bill could use help to stock up on household and personal hygiene items to free up their finances.
– Mr. Cooper recently came out of a treatment center and has arrived back home. He could use some help with re-establishing himself with work and personal needs such as transportation of some kind, as well as clothes.
