A donor has pledged up to $5,000 to match donations of at least $150 to The Garden Island/Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas Fund drive, and it is very much needed. This holiday season, more than 700 requests for help have come in from families and individuals.
A donor has pledged up to $5,000 to match donations of at least $150 to The Garden Island/Zonta Club of Kauai Christmas Fund drive, and it is very much needed. This holiday season, more than 700 requests for help have come in from families and individuals.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island is sharing stories about those facing challenges (we don’t use their real names).
One family is struggling with homelessness and domestic violence. Both parents have received counseling and are trying to better the living environment of their children. Michael, the father, works when he finds odd jobs, and the mom is attending college. Both would love to give their three children, boys 12 and 3 and a girl, 9, gifts for Christmas.
Another woman is a single mother of four. She struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. She is able to work part time and tries her best for her children. But she often has to choose between paying utility bills or buying food. She hopes to return to school and earn her high school degree. She would love proper cooking supplies, kitchenware and bedding for the kids.
Donations to the Christmas Fund are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are distributed through social-service agencies.
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. If you make a donation, we’ll be glad to publish your photo in the paper.
Donations may be made to: The Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, P.O. Box, 3032, Lihue, 96766, or by way of their website: zonta-kauai.org.
