James has been bouncing around from foster homes to programs and shelters for the past few years. He is now back on Kauai in a foster home and trying to get back into school.
He has struggled with substance abuse in the past and wants to get involved in sports and activities to keep himself out of trouble. He needs shoes and a uniform for sports.
His parents are on drugs, homeless and in and out of jail. His foster parents do not spend money on his clothing allowance.
Cherry is another who could use a holiday boost.
She enjoys beauty hour and spending time with her family. In her younger days she enjoyed going to the salon and getting her hair done. With her limited income this is something that just doesn’t fit into her budget. It would bring her so much joy is she could afford a trip to the salon or treat herself to some beauty products.
They are two of the many who will receive help from The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund, which is supported by the community.
New this year, the Hale Uluwehi Kauai Fund announced that it will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for donations of $100 or greater. It will match the total up to $5,000 and, if there’s great success, will consider adjusting that figure higher.
Here’s how the program works:
Families apply for assistance through social service agencies, which in turn connect with the Zonta Club of Kauai. It uses donations to buy gift certificates for those in need. The certificates can be used for gifts and groceries.
Each donated dollar is accounted for and carefully recorded. Rest assured, the money is spent wisely.
There are no administrators collecting salaries. There are no hidden costs.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word. Anyone making a donation of $50 or more may have his or her picture presenting the check published in TGI.
The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund was established in the early 1980s when Jean Holmes was editor of TGI.
It has been led for the past two decades by Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano. The 92-year-old is so dedicated to this program, she declines to give up the volunteer post and keep at this, when she could be relaxing at home.
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 822-4517.
And remember, donations of at least $100 or more will be matched by the Hale Uluwehi Kauai Fund, so your gift is basically doubled.
