Sam, 12, has more than his fair share of difficulties to face, not just this holiday season, but year-round. The boy has been diagnosed with autism, epilepsy and mental health issues and is subject to fits of anger. His father,
Sam, 12, has more than his fair share of difficulties to face, not just this holiday season, but year-round.
The boy has been diagnosed with autism, epilepsy and mental health issues and is subject to fits of anger. His father, a fisherman, works full time to support the family while Sam’s mother stays home to care for him.
During the winter months, when the ocean is rough, the father is usually laid off for about four months, until the boats can resume their tours. It is at this time the family lives on a strict budget due to their limit income.
This can be especially difficult as Sam often breaks household items during anger outbursts, including furniture and electronics.
This family would benefit from being able to replace some of the household items that were broken by Sam. And for Sam, a bright Christmas would include practical holiday treats such as Disney movies, holidays foods, clothing, new bed sheets and towels.
The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund was established in the early 1980s to help people like Sam during the holidays. Donations to the Christmas Fund are distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at local stores to make wishes come true.
Each donated dollar is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrators collecting salaries. Volunteers run the show.
Anyone making a donation of $50 or more may have their picture presenting the check to Zonta published in TGI.
Only monetary donations are accepted. Checks payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. For more information, call Dimples Kano at 822-4517.
Real names are not used in these stories, but the situations described are real.
