Grace is a fragile senior who lives by herself. She always wears a red sweater and she said it keeps her warm. She does not go outside because she feels like the wind is cold and strong. She has to shuffle to move, so she needs help getting the newspaper from the driveway.
The house is getting old and needs help to keep it in shape. She has been living in it for the last 60 years, and the paint has been peeling off. She said the house is still standing because termites are holding hands.
When a meal comes, it puts a smile on her face. When the driver comes to deliver Grace’s meal, he or she will pick up the newspaper for Grace, and she’s grateful for that. A box of chocolate and a new sweater would put a smile on her face for the holidays.
For the Brady family, this year has been challenging. Aaron recently gained full custody of his two young children. To provide for their needs, Aaron has had to exhaust all his resources towards moving into a new apartment, furnishing it, and keeping up with the new rent and bills. This family really needs help with more household goods and clothing and shoes for the children.
Leonard is confined to a wheelchair due to a medical reason. He also has a condition where he randomly falls asleep. A radio to keep him entertained and stay awake would be good for the holidays.
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.
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 has been around since the 1980s and 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.
This year, about 400 families applied for assistance.
Donations to the Christmas Fund are used by Zonta Club members to purchase local gift certificates that are in turn distributed via social service agencies to families in December.
Anyone who donates $50 or more is welcome to have their picture in TGI. Please swing by our Lihue office between 10 a.m.and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. If you know of any fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word.
Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. For further information,call Kano at 822-4517.
