There is still time to donate for those in need

Dennis Fujimoto / The Garden Island

The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation presents checks to nine nonprofit agencies which in turn will be providing gift certificates for 500 of their clients who are either disadvantaged, disabled or needy. The stories have been featured on the front page of TGI for the past month in an effort to raise funds to allow this program to continue after 30 years. Shown is the Zonta of Kaua‘i Foundation Christmas Fund Honorary Chair Yoshiko ‘Dimples’ Kano, seated. In front standing from left are Zonta Christmas Fund Chair Cyndi Ayonon, co-chair Marge Akana, and Zonta Club of Kaua‘i president Lori Benkert. In back from left row are Anna Spivack of Child & Family Service, Ray Ho of Community Services for the Developmental Disabled, Debby Thompson of Friendship House, Emily Medeiros of the county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs, Jason Honjiyo of Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, Sharon Graham of Women In Need, Samantha Souza of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Amy Campbell of the YWCA Family Violence Center and Kaulana Finn of the Kaua‘i Adult Day Health Center. Missing is Darrellyn Lemke, foundation chair.

With Christmas almost here, members of the County of Kaua‘i Department of Public Works Engineering Division ‘ohana donated $150 toward the The Garden Island/Zonta Club Christmas Fund.

It’s that kind of generosity that has made this year’s Christmas Fund such a success, said Cyndi Ayonon, chair of the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation Christmas Fund chair.

Funds from the many donations go to help hundreds of families and individuals who seek assistance through social-service agencies.

One of them is Danielle, a single mom who has been homeless for the last three years with her pre-teen daughter. They have been frequently in the Wailua area. Danielle has struggled with issues in her past, and since having her daughter she is doing well, and only wishes to provide for her daughter. Danielle recently was able to get into affordable housing, and this Christmas would like to be able to provide her the necessities to make their new apartment a home. Danielle is in need of dishes, utensils, pots, pans, towels, toiletries, linens and curtains.

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.

• Lily is a single mom with two toddlers. Lily works to support her two children, and is currently in a communal-living situation, however, with the cost of child care, food and baby necessities, there is little left over for other things. Lily will be moving into her own home soon, and would like to make her home a safe place for her young children. She is requesting pots, pans, utensils, towels, toiletries, curtains and linens.

• Chasity and her daughter fled from her boyfriend, who had been physically abusive for the past four years. The child witnessed her stepfather being violent. Chasity enjoys essential oils and healthy things. Her 16-year-old daughter loves music and classical shows.

• Mary, a mother of three, fled from her boyfriend, who was physically abusing her. She doesn’t speak or understand much English. She enjoys every moment with her children. Her oldest son is 16, and loves football. Her 11-year-old daughter enjoys arts and crafts, and her 8-year-old daughter loves cooking. Any help would be appreciated.

0 Comments