EDITORIAL
Add Christmas fund to your holiday giving
On much of the Mainland, the season of sharing is usually triggered by the first winter chill that leaves the have-nots huddling in doorways and on steam grates. It is around this time that anyone with an ounce of compassion gives to charity.
Here in the Islands, there is no cruel temperature dip spurring folks to pay attention to the poor. But just because they're not shivering doesn't mean Hawai'i's have-nots aren't suffering.
Today, you can get a glimpse into these desperate lives as profiles for The Advertiser's Christmas Fund drive begin. Over the coming weeks, you will read profiles about families who don't have toys or enough clothing for their children, and who sleep on the floor, if they're lucky enough to have a home.
For, while a pending construction boom promises to revitalize our sleepy economy, welfare benefits are shrinking, and social service agencies are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of needs.
You can help.
Last year, reader generosity landed the Christmas fund nearly $140,000 in cash, plus clothing, furniture, toys and household items. Our anonymous "Santa," who matched the first $25 of each donation, contributed more than $21,000.
The money goes to Helping Hands Hawai'i, which works with scores of agencies that help the needy. 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.
Remember, some have too little. Others have too much. Here's our chance to restore some balance.
