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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, November 29, 2003

Clothes for children would help budget-conscious mom

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

"M.D." and her six children, ages 12 to 19, are thankful to have a roof over their heads and food on the table.

She has carefully budgeted their welfare assistance to pay rent for a three-bedroom home, utilities and food. "At the end of the month, I have about $10 left," M.D. said.

Recently, her 19-year-old daughter moved in with her 20-month-old son. The daughter works and earns $200 to $400 a month, which goes to diapers and baby food.

M.D. would like clothes for her four sons and 12-year-old daughter. Their clothes are hand-me-downs or donated.

"One thing about my kids is they're not picky," M.D. said. "They wash and take care of the clothes they have and I'm grateful for that. I don't want them going to school with holes in their clothes."

To donate, send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Monetary donations also may be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.

Goods can be donated at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For details, call 440-3804.

M.D. wants nothing for herself. "Christmas is for the kids," she said. "I'm grateful that my kids know having money to buy stuff is everything. When they ask for things I tell them we can't afford it but maybe things will be better next year."

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