Leilani and Lilinoe are two young sisters who live with their mother and elderly grandmother. This living arrangement is a new one. The family recently fled the children’s father after their mother endured years of domestic violence at his hands.
The girls’ mother is a full-time caregiver for the children’s grandmother due to disability and dementia, and also for Lilinoe, as she has a genetic disorder and developmental delay that requires constant, intensive supervision and attention. Due to this, their mother is unable to work.
This holiday season, the girls are hoping for baby dolls, stuffed animals and costumes to dress up in. Their mother would greatly appreciate any type of financial support to make ends meet. They are currently looking for a reliable vehicle.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
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 $150 or more can have their picture published in TGI.
Donations may be made by way of the website, Zonta-Kauai.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
• Miranda suffers from dementia and diabetes and lives with her son, who is her primary caregiver. She is unable to stand for long periods of time and is wheelchair bound. Miranda’s very-limited income hardly covers her basic daily needs, such as food and medications. However, despite her physical disabilities she is always friendly and enjoys participating in table games, singing and arts and crafts. Miranda has been bound to the same wheelchair for many years now, and since she relies on it for daily use, it has deteriorated significantly, with worn wheels, frayed arm rests and broken brakes. Miranda is in need of a new wheelchair to ensure her safety, as well as a warm jacket. She would be so appreciative of any assistance towards these much-needed items.
• Kai, Lone, Kaleo and Kainalu are siblings. Throughout most of this year, these children have been in foster care due to exposure to domestic violence and abuse. These children are strong, resilient youth. They are insightful, funny and playful, and love to spend time with each other, play with friends and spend time outdoors. This Christmas, they hope for toys, games or to spend time together at Fun Factory.
