Editor’s note: The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again this year and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/TGI Christmas Fund. From now through Dec.
Editor’s note: The Garden Island newspaper and the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i are teaming up again this year and asking the community to help make the holidays happier for less-fortunate residents through the Zonta/TGI Christmas Fund.
From now through Dec. 24, The Garden Island will share stories of families who could use a little holiday cheer along with an appeal for monetary donations of any size. The names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Funds raised will be distributed to needy families by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to help make these simple wishes come true. Because of logistical limitations, only monetary donations can be accepted.
Help Jerome continue to improve his functional skills
Jerome is a 26-year-old male who lives with his parents, siblings and their spouses, and three nieces in a rented house. Five days a week, he attends a day program to improve his functional skills. His family provides him with care and supervision when he is at home. Although disabled, he is ineligible for Supplemental Security Income and Food Stamps, so he is reliant on his family to meet all of his needs. Some bags of rice and some other food staples would be of benefit to Jerome as well as his family members who are willing to work but have a reduction in hours due to the recession. (C1)
Give joy to elderly siblings
Susan, 79, Thomas, 76, and Michael, 74, are three siblings who are elderly and disabled. They live in their family home where an elder sister provides them with care and supervision.
Their combined monthly Supplemental Security Income barely meets their expenses for utilities, food and clothing. To keep within their budget, life is very simple. Some goodies such as manju and arare would add joy to their holidays. (C2)
Clothing needed
this Christmas
Fifteen-year-old Randy is mildly mentally retarded. He is a very friendly person and he is nice to be around. He lives on a fixed income and he is grateful for any help he receives. This Christmas Randy would like some clothing. (C3)
• Checks should be written to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible, and should be mailed to Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, c/o Dimples Kano, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e HI 96766-6032. For more information, contact Kano at 822-9882.
