LIHUE — I’m Harold and I’m a 45 year old recovering addict. I grew up in a very abusive family and I turned to drugs to escape all the bad feelings. I didn’t finish school as I ran away a lot. I am living in a clean and sober home and am doing well. I am not working at the moment but hope to get a job soon. I have three children and I have been allowed to visit them recently in the last couple of months. This holiday season, I am hoping to spend time with my children-I would like to be able to get them a new pillow and blanket and some new shoes.
Nia Bop is a 7 year old who is intellectually disabled and requires the use of a g-tube and wheelchair. She resides with her parents and siblings in Lihue and is currently attending Wilcox Elementary. She has a personal assistance habilitation worker who works on her goals to increase her independence. One of her goals is to be able to increase her mobility. The request is for financial assistance to make her move environment more accessible as well as have the appropriate tools to increase her muscle strength.
Howard is an elderly person who lives alone and is bedridden. Being in such condition and living all by himself, he has not been able to keep up with his home. A little help to clean up his living area would be a thoughtful gift for him for the holidays.
The Garden Island shares daily stories through Christmas Eve about real people (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
In the past two years, the fund has raised more than $50,000, and every dollar has gone toward bringing joy to those who otherwise would likely go without anything on Christmas.
This program has been around since the 1980s and is headed up by Dimples Kano, 93, who has led it for nearly two decades and refuses to retire because she loves the happiness it brings to others.
This year, about 400 families applied for assistance.
Donations to the Christmas Fund are used by Zonta Club members to purchase local gift certificates that are in turn distributed via social service agencies to families in December.
Anyone who donates $50 or more is welcome to have their picture in TGI. Please swing by our Lihue office between 10 a.m.and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. If you know of any fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word.
Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. For further information,call Kano at 822-4517.
