Christmas Funds go toward healthy foods for Lopaka and his family

WAIMEA — Lopaka, 13, is always thinking of others, despite the hardships that he has experienced.

Lopaka was sexually abused by a trusted family member, but he is grateful to his parents and siblings for supporting him in his healing from the abuse, as well as them being supportive after coming out as part of the LGBTQ community.

While Lopaka’s parents are employed and work hard, the family struggles to make ends meet. Their family is currently focused on improving their health due to a recent diagnosis of a medical condition of a member of their family, and are hoping to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet, which can be expensive.

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.

• Mike is 64-years old and receives treatment for his alcohol use and physical issues. He became homeless in 2019 and lived in a van. He is now housed through the assistance of a permanent supportive housing program.

Mike is passionate about attending church, surfing the internet and playing a musical instrument. As Mike loves to learn and read about history and other subjects, an audiobook subscription would be wonderful to keep his mind alert and stimulated.

• Eliza is 68-years-old and receives aid from a service animal. She may live with a mental health issue, but that does not prevent her from enjoying her pastime of paddling for exercise.

Eliza was homeless for four years until she received assistance from a permanent supportive housing program and was helped with securing housing. Eliza lives off a fixed income and continually works on being sustainable.

For this Christmas, it would be wonderful if Eliza received assistance with the purchase of shelving in order to store and keep her things organized.