ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Games would help burn victim who must stay indoors
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
"M.I." earns just enough from his full-time job to rent a one-bedroom apartment for his wife and six children, who range in age from 13 years to 14-month-old twins.
One child, 9, was burned over 90 percent of his body in an accident, while another, 8, is legally blind. The twins also may be vision impaired.
The children manage to stay out of trouble, but they have few toys. The older children have learned to salvage parts from unwanted bicycles to build their own bikes.
"They don't have much, but they're always smiling," a social worker said. "This family is trying their best, but their resources are so little."
Everything on M.I.'s Christmas wish list is for his children, starting with a GameBoy and video games for his 9-year-old, who cannot be exposed to the sun for long. He also would appreciate clothes for the children.
Our anonymous Santa has generously offered once again this year to match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund. Checks made payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" should be mailed to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.
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.
