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.
Also, for every $250 donation given to the Christmas Fund, Hale Uluwehi Charitable Foundation will match up to $5,000.
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.
• Margaret is a single, part-Hawaiian mother, who was housed in October of this year after spending more than a year on the streets with her three children. Margaret is a survivor of domestic violence and has been unable to work and currently collects disability.
Margaret has turned her life around with the assistance of the Wai‘ale‘ale project, KEO and CCH. Margaret is currently attending school alongside her two adult daughters. Margaret would love to be able to buy a few things for her new home and also gifts for her children.
• Kelly and her family of four are currently houseless living in their car. Kelly and her partner moved to the island four years ago and they were both employed and had housing. Shortly after moving here Kelly became pregnant and her partner Kyle was in the first of two car accidents, which has left him temporarily disabled.
Kyle is awaiting surgery and is unable to work and is only able to collect disability from the state as he awaits Social Security. They have a 3-year-old son, who is currently awaiting testing in order to get him into a head start program. Kelly’s 8-year-old son came to live with them this past year as she has a shared custody agreement. Kelly recently went back to work part time, but the family but could use some assistance in getting clothing and shoes for the family.
