ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Mother, 5 children could use new clothes
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
"L.A." endured 12 years of physical and mental abuse before deciding to leave her husband five months ago.
She left with her five young children after returning home from work one day to find a glass drug pipe in her apartment. "I hadn't noticed it before and didn't know he was doing drugs," L.A. said. "Things were not getting better, so I decided to go."
She and the children left with only the clothes they were wearing.
L.A. has been granted sole custody of her children, ages 4 to 13. With the help of family and friends, she's slowly rebuilding her shattered life. L.A. and her children have a roof over their heads and enough to eat.
Helping Hands Hawai'i Donations to the Christmas Fund can also be dropped off at First Hawaiian Bank branches statewide. To donate canned food or household goods, call the Helping Hands Hawai'i Community Clearinghouse at 536-7234.
"We've struggling, but I have no regrets," she said. "It has been hard but I think this has made me a stronger person."
Mail checks payable to The Advertiser Christmas Fund to:
P.O. Box 19155
Honolulu, HI 96817
L.A. would appreciate new clothes for her children, who have been wearing used clothing. Each child has a set of three or four pants and shirts and everything is getting worn out.
The children's clothes sizes are: girls pants (junior 8 and 9, 10 and 12); girls shirts (junior 8/10 and 14/16, 10/12, 12/14); and boys pants and shirts (7/8). L.A. could also use some new clothes: women's 18 pants and extra-large shirts.
She has some furnishings but a microwave oven and sofa would be put to good use.
Our anonymous Santa has generously offered once again this year to match the first $25 of each donation.
