Because they don't have beds, H.S. spreads a piece of carpet out on the floor for her 9-year-old and 6-year-old sons.

She worries about how the arrangement may affect their health. Both boys have asthma.

"When the weather changes their asthma acts up," she said. "Because of their illness, they miss a lot of school."

H.S. and G.S. hope Christmas Fund donors will help them with a bed or bunk beds for the boys.

"I think a bed is going to help," H.S. said. "They won't have to sleep on the floor, where there is a lot of dust."

H.S. and G.S. are having tough times now, but they are working to make it better. The warehouse job G.S. landed a couple of months ago is a step up from the job he had before, and once he gets a commercial driver's license, he thinks he'll be in line for a promotion.

When H.S. was let go from her job, she didn't miss a beat. She's in school now, studying to be a medical secretary.

The two are in their late 20s, and they can see a better life for themselves and their children in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, they are trying to get through Christmas.

"We don't ask for much," H.S. said. "A bed and a nice dinner would do."

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.

Our anonymous Santa is matching the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.

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 throughout the year to help those in need.

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