ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Single mom hopes for sofa, games
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
"L.N." weeps in the night, mourning the recent death of one of her infant twin sons.
"I've got to be strong for the other kids," said the 34-year-old single mother of three children, who has also been caring for her 10-year-old niece and 8-year-old nephew since 1999 when their mother was sent to prison. "I can't let them see me hurting."
Her son was 7 months old when he died of sudden infant death syndrome, said L.N., whose three sons are ages 13, 9 and 1. "The hole in my life is still there, and it's really, really hard because we all miss him," she said.
But it's important to L.N. that she sets an example of strength since the family can't afford much more than food and rent.
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.
L.N. works part time as a social worker and receives state assistance to care for her sister's children. She took them in so they wouldn't be sent to a foster home.
To donate, send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.
The family sits on the floor to eat and watch TV. A sofa would be a nice Christmas gift, L.N. said.
Clothing and children's board games would also be put to good use.
Our anonymous Santa has generously offered once again this year to match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.
