LIHU‘E — Sienna is a funny, caring and strong young woman who cares for her sick and elderly father and mother.
While Sienna has a moderate intellectual disability, it doesn’t stop her from being an artist.
Sienna has had a rough past, but stays strong. This holiday season, she would appreciate any small blessing to continue her love for the arts with new notebooks and pens. She could also benefit from some new tennis shoes as she keeps her mind clear with walking or zumba through the Christmas Fund.
The Christmas Fund, a partnership between The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i and The Garden Island, is an avenue for everyone to provide assistance to families facing challenges this holiday season.
For Gratitude Tuesday, the Christmas Fund has an anonymous donor who would like to contribute up to $5,000 for a matching contribution.
“I am grateful for this matching contribution from an anonymous donor who has been supporting our efforts since last year and has embraced helping our needy and/or disadvantaged community,” Christmas Fund Chair Cyndi Ayonon said.
Additionally, Hale Uluwehi Charitable Fund will donate up to $5,000 for every $200 donation made to the Christmas Fund.
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.
These funds will go toward helping somebody like Millie, an elderly woman who recently transitioned into permanent housing.
Millie, who is on a fixed income, barely has money left over after paying rent to afford much of anything else. Due to her age, work is limited. To keep her mental health in check, Millie teaches yoga about once a week to have a little bit of money come in.
And then there’s Reyn, an energetic young man who lives an active lifestyle with his mother.
Though he is severely autistic and has bipolar disorder, Reyn loves exploring the community and swimming at the beach.
This holiday season, Reyn would greatly appreciate any blessing to ease the burden of his single mother. Reyn’s active lifestyle often leaves him with worn shoes or clothing.
