For over 10 years, Doug Beane has been sharing “The Aloha Spirit” with his shuttle service.
Earlier this week he shared his giving spirit with a $150 donation to The Garden Island/Zonta Club Christmas Fund.
Beane moved to Kaua‘i about 25 years ago. He retired after working in sales with the Marriott and launched his shuttle service in 2009.
He picks up people between 5 and 10 p.m. in Po‘ipu and drops them off at local restaurants and shops. It’s a free service, his only reward being tips and thank yous.
“It’s kind of my way of giving back to the island,” Beane said.
He also offers, for a fee, services for wedding parties and sunset tours.
“It’s the holiday time and a lot of people are in need,” he said. “If I can help out a little bit, I’m happy to do that.”
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.
• Parker and Penelope are parents to a young child with special needs, and medically frail. Because of his condition, the son is often in and out of the hospital. This has left the family homeless and struggling. Parker works as much as he can to provide for his son, and goes long stretches without a day off. The stress of their situation has not helped their son’s situation. Recently, Parker received assistance from a social service, who was able to find housing for him and his family. Parker thrilled that they will soon be in a home and is grateful that his son will be able to get better in a stable environment. Due to medical bills, funds are tight, Parker is asking for assistance with household items, such as pots, pans, utensils, toiletries, towels, linens and curtains.
• Chrissy is a young woman with developmental disabilities, down syndrome and many other physical ailments. Chrissy lives at home with her single mother who cares for her day and night. Chrissy is kind, happy and enjoys playing the piano, dancing, bowling, shopping, swimming and riding horses. Chrissy would enjoy anything with music, household goods, clothing or a new boogie board for the beach.
