While the holidays are a joyous time of gifts, dinners and family, there are those struggling just to pay bills.
Samuel, for instance, works hard to support his family, which has been living at the beach out of a car. This is hard enough for any family, but with a newborn infant, it is even more challenging.
They are in need of housing and Samuel is looking for extra work. The family would be grateful to receive clothing, toiletries, toys for children and a crib for the baby.
Kate is another trying hard to get by on her own. She recently found a new apartment with plans to find a job close to her home. Unfortunately, she fell and injured her foot. While she is recovering, she would be thrilled to receive groceries, a new outfit, a good book and movie tickets.
And finally, there is Jean, described as “a very lost soul. She isn’t able to function in life enough to find a job or a place to live. She could really use some encouragement and some Christmas hope. She would be grateful for some clothing, shoes and toiletries.”
These are the stories of just a few who will receive help through The Garden Island/Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas Fund. This holiday season, more than 700 requests for help from the Zonta Club Christmas Fund have come in from families and individuals.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share stories about those (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are distributed through social-service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrators collecting salaries. The money goes directly to provide gift certificates for Christmas presents and groceries.
In the last three years, the fund has raised about $80,000.
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 can have their picture presenting the gift published in TGI.
The Hawaii Community Foundation Kauai Office reported that a donor would like to challenge the community to help raise funds for the Zonta Club’s Christmas Fund. The donor has pledged up to $5,000 to match donations of at least $150.
Donations may be made to: The Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, PO Box, 3032, Lihue, 96766, or by way of their website: zonta-kauai.org.
