Betty, kids could use help getting settled

  • Courtesy of Zonta Club of Kaua‘i

    The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i welcomed its newest members, including Morgan Lopez, the Business Development Officer at the Hawai‘i USA Federal Credit Union; Vanessa Punua, an Administrative Assistant at Edward L. Punua CPA, Inc.; Irena Lerman, a Therapist Detox Guide; Lynn Danaher of Hanapepe Construction LLC, Licensed Contrator and owner of Aloha Theatre; Leilani Mindoro of Hawai‘i $5 O-h Jewelry Blings & Things, and C&L Needs. Missing is Angela Hoover, the Kaua‘i Island Coordinator for the Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i. The new members were inducted during the club’s virtual Dec. 3 meeting.

Betty is a single mom of two young children, boy and girl, ages 6 and 4. Working full-time, Betty tries her best to provide for her family, with paying for child care and food, she does not have enough left to afford market rent on Kaua‘i, and is on the waitlist for housing assistance.

Betty recently found housing in her price range which would allow her family to not sleep on the streets. Betty expected to move in mid-November, and needs the basic necessities for her new home. Betty is requesting dishes, utensils, pots, pans, towels, toiletries, linens and curtains. She would be grateful for anything this Christmas, especially since they will have a roof over her head.

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-Kaua‘i.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.

• Olivia, Owen and their young family have been homeless for a few years now. Although Owen is working, it has been difficult to find housing for their large family due to their household size and past obligations.

Olivia and Owen have been working with social service agencies and were recently offered housing, and agreed to enroll in classes to help them improve their situation. Their young children are excited to be in a home and are excited that they will have a home this holiday season. Olivia and Owen would appreciate any assistance to help provide for necessities, including pots, pans, utensils, towels, toiletries, linens, and curtains.

• Cane is a 29-year-old male with Fragile X syndrome. He resides with his single mother in Kapa’a. Cane has a Personal Assistance Habilitation worker that works on his goals of being more independent. Cane enjoys listening to music, playing sports, and doing yard work. His goal is to one day begin a yard work business. Cane would be happy to own yard tools to help jumpstart his self-employment business. Thank you for any assistance that you are able to support for Cane and his family.

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