Jack and Jill Marks live together in a rental home in Kapa‘a. Jill had some health issues that developed that now require 24/7 care. Because of this, their finances have been affected and Jack is unable to try and find work to supplement their small, fixed income. With the holidays coming up, any type of assistance towards food or utilities would be greatly appreciated by the couple.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue for everyone to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through social-service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrative costs involved, and money goes directly to provide for those in need of Christmas presents and groceries.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word.
Anyone making a donation of $150 or more can have their picture published in TGI.
Donations may be made by way of the website, Zonta-Kauai.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
• Juan Diaz is an 83-year-old widower living in his own home with his adult son, Carlos, as his caregiver. Juan is such a kind and loving man who has fallen on some difficult times. After losing his wife, Carla, who he was devoted to and took very good care of, his world started to change. Juan has been afflicted by several health issues, both physical and mental, in the past few years. Each day is a struggle, and Carlos does his best to care for his father, even at the exclusion of his own personal life, because he says his dad would do the same for him if the situation was reversed. This father-son duo could really use some extra holiday cheer this year.
• Anna (80 years old) and Alika (81 years old) live in Kaumakani. They have children from previous marriages, none together. Alika suffered a stroke in January 2019 and was then diagnosed with dementia in July 2019. They live on a very small and fixed income. Alika’s dementia was getting worse. To get respite care for herself, he was signed up and attended adult day health. That was a big help for Anna, for his dementia was getting worse. He would be up during night and early morning, which meant she had to stay up and then she would be super tired throughout the day. On Sept. 18, Alika suffered a massive heart attack and was transfered to Castle Medical Center on O‘ahu. He returned home on Sept. 24 and went under hospice care. He wasn’t given very long to live and on Oct. 14, he passed away. Now widowed and doing the best that she can, any assistance for Anna would be appreciated.
