Uncle Palani and Aunty Momi will be having an unhappy holiday season this year.
They have recently experienced the great loss of their two daughters within one week of each other, and an only son a few years back.
There is one daughter left who resides in the home with them. She has a full-time job and now finds herself having to adjust her schedule so she will be able to help care for them.
Both Uncle Palani and Aunty Momi have ongoing health issues and aren’t able to drive and live on a fixed income.
Any support that might be offered would help bring her cheer this holiday season.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families and individuals (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 $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.
• Uncle Boy, 77, lives alone. He is bed-bound and recovering from a fall he had a few months ago.
Uncle Boy was very independent and used to stay active by volunteering to help other kupuna. Uncle Boy has a son, who has cancer (in remission) and granddaughter who helps out. Both work full-time jobs. His son will drive to his home early in the morning before his shift and make sure he is cleaned and has breakfast before heading out to work.
Uncle Boy does not have the means to hire someone to care for him, let alone buy anything for himself. Uncle Boy would be very grateful and surprised to receive anything that may help with his recovery and make it a happy holiday season for him.
• Mr. Carel has been living with pain for as long as he can remember. At the age of 86, he is still very much young at heart but his body argues with that daily.
Mr. Carel enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and would love nothing more than to be able to get them each a small gift for Christmas to express how much he loves them and enjoys spending time with them.
But money is tight due to all the medications he has to buy on a monthly basis. Any amount of assistance to help him reach this goal would be greatly appreciated.
