The Garden Island/Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas Fund drive is underway. This holiday season, more than 700 requests for help through social-service agencies have come in from families and individuals, including children.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share stories about those facing challenges (we don’t use their real names).
Among the children the fund aims to provide a brighter Christmas for is Kaina. The 6-year-old grew up in a home where there was domestic violence, and his mother struggles with health issues. Kaina loves skateboarding, biking and video games.
Another child who could use a helping hand is Mario. The 8-year-old experienced abuse by a family member. He also loves video games and likes the military.
And Michael is only 8, but he has already been exposed to domestic violence and abuse. He enjoys biking.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue to provide assistance to keiki like these. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are distributed through social-service agencies.
There are no administrators collecting salaries. The money provides 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.
The Hawaii Community Foundation Kauai office reported that a 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.
