Posted on: Sunday, December 5, 2004
ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Aloha shirts would cheer two disabled grandsons
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
M.N. and B.N., a retired couple in their late 60s, didn't need any more financial challenges.
Recently, a $300 rent increase threatened to put M.N. and B.N. over the edge.
When an identity thief helped himself to $3,000 of their savings, the family was in financial free fall. "You feel like someone just took you and ripped you apart," B.N. said.
M.N. and B.N. moved in with their adult daughter, a single mom with a 3-year-old son. Money is tight, but the extended family has melded well.
"The twins and the 3-year-old get along beautifully," B.N. said.
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 information, call 440-3804. The twins are big — both wear size 2X shirts — but are sweet-tempered and considerate, and they fit in well with the children in the neighborhood, she said.
B.N. wants a good holiday for the boys, but finances are tight.
Both young men love aloha shirts, she said. The less independent one loves music and would enjoy a boom box and music on tapes. The other twin would like to try a bicycle.
Gift certificates to grocery stores would help the family, and the more independent twin could use them to learn shopping skills.
Donations will be used for families who need help making it through the holidays. Any Christmas Fund money remaining after the holidays will be used to help those in need throughout the year.
Our anonymous Santa is matching the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.
Recent donations
Total: $3,657
Previous total: $7,080 Total to date: $10,737
They are on a fixed income and have custody of their twin grandsons. The twins, 21, are mentally disabled. One of them functions at the level of a 3-year-old.
One twin, she said, "is pretty independent; he keeps himself busy and he's a hard worker. The other is babyish, and he and the 3-year-old get along so well."
How to help
