Vicky is a single mom parenting her three young children. She was working two jobs until recently, when it became too hectic to take her children to school, day care, and find someone to watch them at night. She is struggling to pay her bills with just one job, so she is considering a self-employment enterprise where she can earn money working from home. Vicky is worried that she will not be able to provide any Christmas gifts for her children, as she has little money. Her children have humble wishes, and would love new pajamas and books.
Vicky is a single mom parenting her three young children. She was working two jobs until recently, when it became too hectic to take her children to school, day care, and find someone to watch them at night. She is struggling to pay her bills with just one job, so she is considering a self-employment enterprise where she can earn money working from home. Vicky is worried that she will not be able to provide any Christmas gifts for her children, as she has little money. Her children have humble wishes, and would love new pajamas and books.
Sandra’s story is one of tragedy and unfortunate decisions. She was married at 19 and pregnant with her first children when her husband died. Her second husband and the father of her two younger children abandoned them after four years, and they have not heard from him. Facing financial hardship, her electricity was about to be turned off because she lost one of her two jobs. Still, Sandra remains optimistic and focuses on her daughters’ needs instead of dwelling in the past. Their hopes for Christmas? New clothes and shoes.
The Garden Island shares daily stories through Christmas Eve about real people (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
This year, about 400 families applied for assistance.
Donations to the Christmas Fund are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed via social service agencies to families in December.
Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. For further information, call Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano at 822-4517.
