A few years ago, Craig LaVallee walked into The Garden Island office and donated $50 to the TGI/Zonta Club Christmas Fund.
He returned the next year and donated $100.
This year, LaVallee came back again and donated $150.
That’s the spirit of Christmas.
He is hoping that his contributions to the Christmas Fund will inspire others to do the same. He points to drug problems that are leaving more keiki without parents during the holidays and said he just wanted to do something to help families.
Also on Monday, a woman came in and donated $150. She said she wanted to remain anonymous and just wanted to help others have a merry Christmas.
We thank both Craig and this woman who displayed generosity and a desire to help those who might otherwise go without this Christmas season.
Help is still 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).
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.
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.
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.
