Advertiser Christmas Fund
Daughter has no nice clothes for church
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By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
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She had to quit her job at a fast-food restaurant when she gave birth. Out of her $452 monthly welfare check and $366 in food stamps, she pays $400 rent to her cousin, who lives with a husband and three teenage sons.
"Got plenty things I like buy, but you got to think where you living first — got to pay rent," said O.P., who moved to Hawai'i from American Samoa in 1983 after her father died. Her cousin has cared for her "like a mother," she said.
O.P. does not like to ask her cousin for money, but is forced to every month.
How to make a donation
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Checks made payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund should be mailed to
Helping Hands Hawai'i
P.O. Box 19155
Honolulu, HI 96817
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Donations may also be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.
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Anyone wishing to donate goods instead of money can do so at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway near Pu'uhale Street. For details, call 536-7234.
"It make me cry," she said, looking sadly at her 2-year-old playing with two children of relatives O.P. babysits daily. "I feel shame to ask for money. I have just enough to buy my daughter's diapers and wipes, but sometimes I need soap or small other things for her."
It hurts her that the child has no nice dress or shoes to wear to church on Sundays. Her daughter has two worn-out, hand-me-down dresses. The pink one does not cover the girl's diaper, but O.P. lets her wear it so the girl does not show up wearing the same dress every week.
A girl's size 6 dress would be appreciated.
O.P., who never knew her mother and has no siblings, also could use a dress. She wears a size 3X.
Remember, our generous anonymous Santa is matching the first $25 of each donation.
Previous stories
• Sunday, Dec. 23: Mother would like mattress pads for paralyzed sons
• Saturday, Dec. 22: Single mother needs stroller
• Friday, Dec. 21: Disabled man needs clothes, pots
• Thursday, Dec. 20: Couple with three young children seek house to rent, clothes for kids
• Wednesday, Dec. 19: Diabetic needs help with medication costs
• Tuesday, Dec. 18: King-size bed tops couple's wish list
• Monday, Dec. 17: Disabled man seeks way to beat heat
• Sunday, Dec. 16: Ex-con beachboy raising daughter
• Saturday, Dec. 15: Crowded studio houses teen mom, relatives
• Friday, Dec. 14: New bed is priority for family of four
• Thursday, Dec. 13: Mother of three wants job to keep family from being homeless again
• Wednesday, Dec. 12: Electric fan, microwave will help
• Tuesday, Dec. 11: Vacuum sought for home of ailing child
• Monday, Dec. 10: Household with seven children needs new refrigerator
• Sunday, Dec. 9: Family lives in shed, seeks clothing
• Saturday, Dec. 8: Children need bedroom furniture
• Friday, Dec. 7: Stroke patient needs friend to get to therapy
• Thursday, Dec. 6: Shriners patient needs shoes, transportation to appointments
• Wednesday, Dec. 5: Clothing for sons welcome
• Tuesday, Dec. 4: Ex-addict, abused wife reclaims life
• Monday, Dec. 3: Disabled man seeks toy for grandson
• Sunday, Dec. 2: Ailing son left family buried in bills
• Saturday, Dec. 1: Woman says seventh child is chance to be good parent
• Friday, Nov. 30: With its breadwinner laid off, family requests help for first time
• Thursday, Nov. 29: Pacific immigrants struggle to stay here
• Wednesday, Nov. 28: Couple forgo gifts, except for two keiki's
• Tuesday, Nov. 27: Child's grave needs headstone
• Monday, Nov. 26: Security officer, six children have to eat on floor
• Sunday, Nov. $25: Holiday assistance badly needed this year
