Donations big and small fuel Christmas fund

Craig LaVallee wanted to do something for the keiki on Kauai. So he came to The Garden Island office on Tuesday morning and donated $100 to The Garden Island/Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas Fund.

“I just feel like helping in any way I can to contribute to kids getting back on their feet,” he said.

The Kapaa man said he knows children often go without, so he hopes to help them have a joyous Christmas. Many parents just don’t have the finances to buy presents for their kids, he said.

“Money is tight. That’s why I think private donations are important,” LaVallee said.

The fund helps people like Tiffany, a single mother of one son, Kevin. She is pursuing a divorce from her ex-husband. Due to the abusive nature of their relationship, she and Kevin became homeless.

She was living at a domestic violence shelter prior to moving into transitional housing. Tiffany is working and trying to find permanent housing. She is also working on finalizing her divorce so she and Kevin can live safely and move forward to the next chapter in their lives.

Kevin is an active teenager who loves sports and is about to start practicing on a team at his school. He would greatly appreciate any kind of sports-related clothing or equipment.

Tiffany is an involved parent and makes it a priority to participate in Kevin’s sporting events and school activities, even though it’s a strain to pay for the gas and other fees.

Tiffany would appreciate any gift certificates for gas so she can make sure to be at her son’s events.

Donations like those from LaVallee help brighten Christmas for hundreds of families and keiki on Kauai.

The Garden Island/Zonta Club Christmas Fund received a big boost this year from the Hale Uluwehi Fund, which matched donations of $100 or more up to $10,000.