Myla lives with her daughter, who is her cargiver. She finds joy and solace in music and engaging with friends at the Adult Day Health Center. With her fixed income, it can be challenging prioritizing bills.
The cost of medications and toiletries are often a struggle to keep up with and leaves nothing left for other necessities. Myla needs a rollator walker that will allow her to properly ambulate and store some of the items she must keep with her during the day.
A nonslip shoe that will make it easier to transport would be very helpful and provide an additional layer of safety. Any support would bring relief and joy to Myla’s holiday season.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families and individuals (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 $200 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.
• Deanna has experienced a challenging year with the passing of her beloved husband. Despite her loss, she exudes a positive and optimistic disposition. Her contagious smile will light up a room and make everyone feel special.
Deanna enjoys connecting with friends and often reaches out to new clients, ensuring they feel welcomed. Although Deanna will be surrounded with family, this holiday season, it will feel different especially without the love of her life.
Resources and income are now far less, and yet necessities remain the same. It would warm her heart to have the resources to purchase toiletries and warm clothing for the months ahead and is sure to bring some much-needed joy to her holiday season.
• Julia lives with her daughter, who is her caregiver. Both Julia and her daughter are on fixed or limited incomes and struggle to make the little they have, go a long way.
Her income barely covers the cost of her medications, medical expenses, and toiletries.
Since joining the Adult Day Health program, Julia has thrived and enjoys participating in activities and dressing up for special events. If provided with the means to do so, Julia would be able to purchase a rollator walker to assist with proper ambulation, a new pair of nonslip covered shoes, and a jacket to get her through the winter.
It would be great to give Julia a reason to share her contagious smile this holiday season.
• Perla lives alone and is on an extremely fixed income. Although she is confined to a wheelchair and requires around the clock support, her attitude is one of optimism and positivity.
Attending the Adult Day Health Center has provided her the opportunity to connect with others and to engage in activities that keep her motivated and engaged. Perla’s income barely covers the cost for medications and necessities, such as toiletries.
Any additional resources or support would give her the opportunity to purchase items, such as a new pair of nonslip shoes, a warm jacket for the winter season, and to help cover the cost of some of the medical necessities, which can be difficult to keep up with.
• Amber lives alone and finds her time at the Adult Day Health Center to be a bright part of her day. She enjoys participating in all activities and has a great sense of humor.
Amber sets the tone for the program with her positive disposition and ability to make others around her feel comfortable — especially clients that are new to the program.
She take it upon herself to “emcee” during group activities and highlights each of the successes of the clients while doing so.
With a limited income, Amber must use the little resources she has for necessities, such as toiletries and clothing.
Amber does not have enough warm clothing to get her through the winter season and would be grateful to be gifted the means to be able to purchase a jacket, light sweaters, and some toiletries.
• Iron Man is a 31-year-old male, who is intellectually disabled with cerebral palsy, seizures, and other medical conditions. He resides with his family in Hanamaulu and has a personal assistant rehabilitation worker, who works on his goals to increase independence.
The request is for funding to purchase wipes and living expenses as his family utilizes their out of pocket monies to purchase wipes monthly. Thank you for any assistance that you are able to support for Iron Man and his family.
• Nebula Union is an 11-year-old female, who is intellectually disabled and requires the use of a g-tube and wheelchair.
She resides with her parents and siblings in Lihu‘e and is currently attending Wilcox Elementary. She has a direct service worker, who helps with her goals to increase independence.
One of her goals is to be able to increase her mobility. The request is for financial assistance to make her home environment more accessible, as well as have the appropriate equipment to keep her safe in her home.
• Gina is a stay at home grandmother raising her four grandchildren. Their fathers have never been in their life and their mother is currently incarcerated.
Gina tries to make ends meet but doesn’t have extra money for things. The family would benefit from some new clothes and shoes, as well as hygiene and outdoor toys.
• Kim and her newborn son are in between housing and staying with family. Kim recently got a HUD voucher and is eagerly seeking housing.
They would benefit from small household appliances and linens. Her son would benefit from size 1 diapers, wipes and baby soap.
