"I became disabled in December 2000," he said. "Because of the numbness from the diabetes, I couldn't feel the floor or ground."

He is alone and his self-esteem is low. J.T. is only 46 years old.

"I'm depressed because I cannot do what I used to do," he said. "My mother taught me if things change, you have to find something else to do. I'm trying."

J.T. survives on Social Security and Supplemental Security income totaling $505 and $140 in food stamps per month.

"I buy two to three cases of saimin," he said. "If I don't make it into soup, I eat it as fried noodles. I cannot take much food."

Recently, J.T. attended a relative's funeral wearing shorts and a T-shirt.

"We were always taught to dress in a pants and shirt for funerals out of respect," he said sadly. "I felt ashamed but shorts and a T-shirt is all I have."

J.T. would like to have dress pants and a shirt. He could also use a couple of cooking pots — he only has one right now — and some cooking utensils.

"My neighbor gave me this," he said holding up a glass cup. "I've been using small mayonnaise jars as cups."

He sleeps on a sofa that no longer works as a pull-out bed. It's lumpy, cramped and hard. He could use a futon mattress.

Checks made payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund should be mailed to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17328, Honolulu, HI 96817. Checks may also be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.

Anyone wishing to donate goods instead of money can do so at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway near Pu'uhale Street in Kalihi Kai. For details call 536-7234.

Recent donations

In memory of David Garliepp and Billy Gibson Garliepp $25
In loving memory to Amy Hoo 25
In loving memory of Thomasine Au Kelly 25
In memory of Jan Thomas 25
In memory of Paul & Florence Whang 50
In memory of Loretta Mendez 50
In memory of my mom Eva Moniz Tuegh 50
In memory of Evelyn Higa 50
In honor of Dusty and Thresa 100
In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. James and Haksoon Mercado and Rene Catalan Merry Christmas, we love and miss all of you. Your loving family. 100
In memory of Grandpa and Grandma O, Kauai Grandpa and Prestin 200
R.T. and Leiko Murakami 20
Kimiyo Y. Kimata 20
Jenna A.U. Oley 25
Maynette M. N. Wong
Merry Christmas from Tiffany 25
Shirley F. Iha 25
Walter P. Vierra 25
Charlene M. Aoki 25
Karen Wilson 25
Tim Wilson 25
Darlene E. Canto 25
On Behalf of the Medical
Standards Branch 35
Eleanor S. Izutsu 50
Robert G. Reckendorf 50
James Hawkins 50
Joseph A. and Anne E.Raspanti 50
Cindy Tamanaha 50
Lauren & Kelsey 50
Betty Jane Chun 50
Kahu James A. Fung 50
J. G. Costain 50
Airport Electronics Inc. 50
T R Enterprise Inc. 100
Robert F. Hazzard 100
Laurie Doerschlen 100
Mary Graff 100
Marcia Tsue Horiuchi 100
Lionel Baker 100
Linda Carlson 100
R. Chester Nierenberg 100
Christina C. Belvo 100
Walter & Betty Harimoto 100
Bob & Bea 100
Mrs. Fay Nishimura and the Room 28 students of Alvah Scott Elementary 100.74
Staff of the Honolulu Passport Agency 125
Albert J. Vivas Jr. 500
Margaret M. Stitham 500
Anna Elento-Sneed 500
Anonymous 15
Anonymous 25
Anonymous 25
Anonymous 50
Anonymous 50
Anonymous 100
Anonymous 100
Anonymous 100
Anonymous 100
Anonymous 100

Daily Total $4,990.74

Previous Total $82,330.56

Cumulative Total $87,321.30