Domestic violence doesn’t stop during the holidays. In fact, there are reports that show it actually increases. Maile left her husband when, in a fit of jealous rage, he shoved her against the wall. She is five months pregnant and
Domestic violence doesn’t stop during the holidays. In fact, there are reports that show it actually increases.
Maile left her husband when, in a fit of jealous rage, he shoved her against the wall. She is five months pregnant and caring for an 18-month-old baby and two little girls. The girls help with the baby and can even help with preparing meals. Mom is applying for financial help and money is scarce.
Lani loves Hello Pony and Pua loves to color and draw. Baby Keoni is using his hands to pick up blocks. The girls especially like to play grownups.
Linda and her four children have been rendered homeless because of domestic violence. Linda is working full time but has missed work due to violence and injuries. She recently left and is trying to rebuild their lives. Linda needs clothes and shoes for work. Megan would really like art supplies. Kiana has been pleading for board games. Trevor would like a tricycle and Anna needs diapers and baby supplies.
Families like these need help, and the community has a chance to do that through the The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund, which was established in the early 1980s. Many families have benefited through the generosity of the community.
Donations are distributed by Zonta Club members, who purchase gift certificates at appropriate businesses to make wishes come true.
Each donated dollar is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrators collecting salaries, just a bunch of volunteers with hearts of gold.
Last year’s fundraiser brought in $17,000 and organizers are hoping to top that this year.
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate help.
Anyone making a donation of $50 or more can have their picture presenting the check published in TGI.
Only monetary donations are accepted. Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. Info: 822-9882.
