S.B., a 72-year-old grandmother who often cares for her three grandchildren, was hospitalized last week with vertigo.

S.B.'s husband, G.B., also is in poor health, with diabetes and leg problems.

The elderly couple's Kane'ohe home has become a second home for their three grandchildren, said the family's caseworker.

Every day when the grandchildren's parents go to work, S.B. babysits her 2-year-old grandson. Once school lets out, the couple also care for their two teenage grandchildren.

The elderly couple live on a fixed income and can barely afford their living expenses. Most of the couple's money is spent on rent and medication.

S.B. tries to be as active as possible, to help take care of her grandchildren. But with her recent hospitalization, she cannot run errands or be as active as she once was, said the caseworker.

Because of the family's fixed income, S.B. cannot afford high-priced items such as a new refrigerator.

S.B. has been getting by these past couple of months using a broken refrigerator. To keep food cold, S.B. puts things in the freezer, removes them before they become completely frozen and places them in the broken refrigerator.

The couple's grandchildren could use clothing and the household could use food.

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.

Our anonymous Santa will match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.

RECENT DONATIONS

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• Walter Vierra $25
  
• Wayne $25
  
• Chantelle Witt in loving memory of my husband, Gary Witt $25
  
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• Anonymous $105
  
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• Anonymous $25
  
• Anonymous $25
  
• Anonymous $25
  
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Total: $12,338

Previous total: $110,222.40

Total to date: $122,560.40

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.