ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Bed would replace mattresses on the floor
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Help our neighbors in need |
By Loren Moreno
Advertiser Staff Writer
K.O. recently decided to go back to school to get his GED so that he can eventually attend college.
His wife, M.O., just learned she has diabetes, which developed during her most recent pregnancy.
The family — with two children ages 1 and 2 — lives in public housing in Kaimuki and struggles to make ends meet on a small welfare check.
K.O. is seeking employment in the electrical field and would also like to attend school to receive more training. He recently left his job after transportation to and from work became a problem.
M.O. has a number of medical appointments because of her newly diagnosed diabetes. The family cannot afford childcare so M.O. doesn't have a job and stays home to care for her sons.
Both M.O. and K.O. have sacrificed school and career goals to provide their children with the care they need, said the family's caseworker. They are beginning to save up money to attend college so that they can set good examples for their children, according to the caseworker.
With two young boys, the family goes through a lot of diapers. The children also need clothes since they outgrow them faster than their parents can afford to buy new ones.
M.O. is hoping her family can receive a bed for Christmas, because the family sleeps on mattresses on the floor. M.O. and K.O. could also use new clothes, said the family's caseworker.
Our anonymous Santa will match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.
Christmas Fund donations are used for families who need help through the holidays. Any money remaining after the holidays will be used to help those in need throughout the year.
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HOW TO DONATE
Send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.
Checks also may be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.
For those interested in making credit card donations, please call Helen at 440-3831 with your name, address, credit card number, expiration date and amount of donation.
Material goods may be taken to the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For details, call 440-3804.
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RECENT DONATIONS Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Total $3,365
Previous total $47,055
Total to date $50,420
