Tobias is homeless and stays at a local shelter. He suffers from an inoperable brain tumor which causes him to have seizures every day. Despite his physical disability, Tobias has an extremely positive outlook on life and is trying to make the most of each day. Tobias often helps out with the chores around the shelter and always has a smile on his face. Tobias would really appreciate a new phone as his wallet was stolen and possibly a new jacket as his is worn and the weather is getting colder.
Charlotte and her teenage son are experiencing tough times in 2018. Charlotte works full time to pay rent and support her teenage son alone. Recently she hasn’t been experiencing child support payments and has maxed out her credit cards. Charlotte’ electricity was shut off and she now has to juggle what bills she can pay. Charlotte’s family would benefit greatly this holiday season with help catching up on their overdue bills.
Carroll is a recovering drug addict. In 2018, she did fall off the wagon but is back to sobriety. However, her addiction struggles have left her with debt and past due bills. Having some help with her utility and phone bill this holiday season would assist Carroll on her road to recovery.
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.
Hats off to Zonta, an organization which has brightened so many lives during the holiday season for many, many year! Keep up the great work you do!