Advertiser Christmas Fund
With its breadwinner laid off, family requests help for first time

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

"E.F." recently received a letter from a Native American group that she had been donating money to annually in her father's memory.

"Now that I'm in need, I know how much my donations meant to them," said the 40-year-old E.F., whose husband was laid off from his maintenance job at a Waikiki hotel two days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, leaving the family without a source of income. "We've never had to ask for help before. It's shame and embarrassing but we got to survive."

"D.F." was earning between $1,400 and $1,500 a month. Finding himself unemployed after 12 years on job and unable to provide for his wife and four children — ages 16, 14, 12 and 6 — has been stressful. D.F., who is 42, has asthma and had a stroke three years ago.

	How to make a donation
•	Checks made payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund should be mailed to
	Helping Hands Hawai'i
	P.O. Box 19155
	Honolulu, HI 96817
•	Donations 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. For details, call 536-7234.

E.F. wants a washing machine to replace the old one she's using because the family cannot afford to pay to do laundry if it breaks down.

"I don't think we can afford a tree or presents this year," E.F. said. "My older kids understand but I've got a 6-year-old. She tells me she's going to save pennies so we can buy gifts. How do you tell a 6-year-old that she's not going to get a tree or presents this year?"

E.F. said the family could use some men's and boys' pants, shirts and shoes (sizes 9 1/2 to 13).

Our anonymous Santa has generously offered once again this year to match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.

Recent donations

David J. and Anna B. Lujan $1,500
Previous total $2,880

Total to date $ 4,380