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.
w Brenda and Kendell are living in an emergency shelter with their five children. This family is having a difficult time finding affordable housing especially for their large household. Kendall is employed and Brenda needs to care for their toddler, who has a medical condition.
Both Brenda and Kendall could use warm sweaters or jackets; Kenji (17) would like clothes and shoes; Branden (14) would also like some new clothes and shoes; both Kyle (12) and Bryce (9) would like body boards; and Kris (1) would like a toy doll.
• Thomas, Maria and their two children were homeless, camping in beach parks. Although both parents work, they were unable to locate affordable housing for their family. The family was placed in the KEO temporary housing program and continue to work and to save their money. Thomas would like new work boots. Maria would like new clothes for work. The children, Abby (6) and Grey (10) would like to have educational toys and books to read.
• Jessie and her two children — Monica and Steven — are homeless, living out of their vehicle and moving from place to place on the island. The family lives on Jessie’s social security benefits and SNAP benefits. The family recently received a voucher for a rent subsidy program and have submitted several housing applications, hoping that they will be offered an apartment soon.
• Alice is a foster mom for two children — Amy and Joe. The children’s parents are incarcerated and Alice has the responsibility to raise the children. Although Alice is employed, the family was unable to find affordable rental housing. They were recently placed in a transitional shelter unit and are hoping to receive a rent subsidy voucher, which can help pay for a rental unit.
• Abel suffers from a medical condition, which left him out of work for several months. He lost his job. His only source of income is from continuing TDI benefits from insurance. His partner, Lori, is employed part time, but has a medical condition which is a challenge for her. They are raising Abel’s son — Zack. The family was recently placed in transitional shelter program. They are waiting for their rental subsidy voucher so they can afford permanent housing.
