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 through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
Today, we’d like to share the story of Calvin and Dawn, parents of 15-year-old Davin and 10-year-old Emmi.
Calvin is in his mid-50s and has health issues that include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and other complications that lead to severe fatigue. Calvin has not been able to work due to his health and Dawn always drives him to his medical appointments and keeps him on task to take his medications.
Due to their limited disability income, Calvin and Dawn struggle to pay monthly bills and when they have big bills like car insurance, it is even harder to decide what to pay for first.
The children rarely go out on weekends like their friends because there is no extra money.
For the holidays, Calvin and Dawn have a simple request: They would like to their family out to the movies and treat them to popcorn and then to a pizza dinner.
About 400 families, through different social service agencies, filled out applications seeking assistance from The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas 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 to others.
That’s where you come in.
Donations to the Christmas Fund are used by Zonta Club members to purchase local gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families in December. Each donated dollar is accounted for and carefully recorded.There are no administrators collecting salaries. The money goes directly to provide gift certificates to those who need them.
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 their picture presenting the check published in TGI.
A benefit performance for the TGI/Zonta Club Christmas Fund is set 4 p.m. Dec. 8. “Dances in December” will be at Lihue Parish Hall, 4340 Nawiliwili Road. Kauai Dance Theatre’s winter student showcase, a family-friendly 30-minute presentation of novelty dance, classical and contemporary ballet, will entertain all ages. Donations at the door, $5, will help our less fortunate community members have a brighter holiday season. Info: www.KauaiDanceTheatre.com or contact Director Janie Crane at 332-9737.
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.
