LIHU‘E — Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families and individuals (we don’t use their real names), who are facing challenges and would appreciate a little help this holiday season.
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.
The following are some of stories we would like to share with our readers.
• Christina is a single mother raising her four children, ages 12 (boy), 9 (girl), 5 (boy), and 2 (boy). Christina has recently left an abusive relationship and is working toward regaining her independence. Christina enjoys spending time with her four children at the beach.
All of Christina’s children enjoy surfing, snorkeling and fishing. Christina’s 12-year-old son enjoys football, video games and being outdoors. Her 9-year-old daughter enjoys running, swimming and drawing. Her 5-year-old son enjoys watching Bluey, coloring, games and reading.
• Allison is a young mother raising her 3-year-old son, 6-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter. Allison is a survivor of domestic violence and recently made the decision to leave her long-term abusive partner.
Allison enjoys spending her time with her friends, going to church and taking her children to the beach. Allison’s two boys love snorkeling, football, trucks and coloring. Her daughter enjoys self-care days with mom, experimenting with make-up and painting her nails.
• Matthew came to Kaua’i after fleeing a high-risk abusive relationship on another island. Matthew would enjoy earbuds to listen to his music, cologne or other men’s hygiene products. Matthew enjoys reading, baking, hiking and playing video games.
• Samantha is a young woman who has experienced a long history of domestic violence. She has dedicated herself to taking self-defense classes, addressing her past history of substance abuse and enrolled herself in parenting classes. Samantha is a single mother of a 5-year-old girl. Samantha enjoys journaling, arts and crafts, makeup and self-care. Her daughter enjoys watching Bluey, coloring and building with Legos.
• Malia is a 62-year-old woman, who escaped an abusive relationship with a boyfriend she had moved in with. She enjoys daily walks, self-care and knitting.
