ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Family needs couch, household goods
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
"L.T." knows a lot about domestic violence. She was physically abused as a child and then was abused by her husband.
Now 41, she has finally gained the confidence to set career goals and is on the verge of being financially independent.
L.T. volunteers 30 to 40 hours a week and works with victims of domestic abuse. She plans to pursue a career in counseling.
Monetary donations may 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 Road. For details, call 440-3804.
"I've set goals for the next two years to make a better life for me and my children," said L.T., a single parent who has two daughters, ages 13 and 11.
Checks made payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" should be mailed to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.
L.T. has been getting by on state welfare assistance and food stamps for about a year. But she's on the short end of waiting lists for federal housing assistance and for a Waipahu apartment.
With housing and a full-time job on the horizon, things are looking up for L.T.
She needs a couch or beds for her daughters to sleep on as well as household goods such as sheets, blankets, pots, cups and towels for her pending move. L.T. would also appreciate a portable CD player and/or computer games for her daughters.
Our anonymous Santa has generously offered once again this year to match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.
