Ken receives Meals on Wheels. He has health and mental issue because he was injured while serving in the military, and suffers from PTSD. He was homeless but now lives in low-income housing. Still, despite a frugal lifestyle, he struggles to keep the bills paid and a roof over his head. Despite all this, it takes little to make him smile, and a basket of healthy food will make him happy for the holidays.
Ken receives Meals on Wheels. He has health and mental issue because he was injured while serving in the military, and suffers from PTSD. He was homeless but now lives in low-income housing. Still, despite a frugal lifestyle, he struggles to keep the bills paid and a roof over his head. Despite all this, it takes little to make him smile, and a basket of healthy food will make him happy for the holidays.
Matt is a disabled young man who became paralyzed due to an accident. He lives with his family, likes to read and watch TV, and is kept busy with his regular physical therapy sessions. Matt and his family, for Christmas, would appreciate a nice holiday meal at a restaurant as they can’t afford to eat out and the family must focus on caring for Matt.
These are just a few of the people The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund hopes to help this year. About 400 families, through different social service agencies, filled out applications seeking assistance from The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund during the holidays. They count on this fund, which was established in the early 1980s.
In the past two years, the fund has raised more than $50,000, and every dollar has gone toward bringing joy to those who otherwise would likely go without anything on Christmas.
This program is headed up by Dimples Kano, 93, who has led it for nearly two decades and refuses to retire because she loves the happiness it brings.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily stories about people (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. For further information, call Dimples Kano at 822-4517.
