Jerico is a teenage girl who was abused by her grandfather. Her family has been torn apart and she rarely sees her siblings, who still live with her abuser. She has been blamed for most of the suffering, but her
Jerico is a teenage girl who was abused by her grandfather.
Her family has been torn apart and she rarely sees her siblings, who still live with her abuser. She has been blamed for most of the suffering, but her new family is great and very supportive. They have a lot to give her, but any trinkets that anyone can offer — a gold necklace, a few movies, tickets for her and her friends to go to Genki Sushi — would go a long way toward letting her know people still support her.
She is brave and courageous, and Christmas can be a lonely and sad time for people in her position, but people can remind her of what good there is in the world.
Candy is 2 years old and has Down syndrome. She lives with her mother and siblings in a multi-generational home. Her mother works and provides for rent and food. Candy receives weekly therapy sessions from her speech therapist, physical therapist and teacher from the Easter Seals Early Intervention program. Her mother would appreciate any help to buy food, household supplies and educational toys.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island is sharing stories of families facing challenges who could use a little holiday cheer. Donations to the 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.
