After R.S.'s hours at work were cut back and the bills became too much for him to handle on his own, he moved his family of five into his wife's childhood home with her parents.

His wife, K.S., gave birth to twins five months ago and is also caring for their 8-year-old son.

But living in her parents' home has become another challenge. Seven of them — including K.S.'s 70-year-old father and 54-year-old mother — live in a two-bedroom cottage.

The space in the home is so limited, the family often stores things and spends time together in the carport.

R.S. is the only person in the household who brings in a regular paycheck. But his work as a security guard barely brings in enough money to pay for necessities.

K.S.'s parents sometimes baby-sit neighborhood children to earn extra money.

Both K.S. and her husband are concerned because they cannot afford gifts for their children this Christmas. Their 8-year-old son would like books, games, or a baseball and mitt. Their 5-month-old twins would benefit from developmental toys and a baby gym.

K.S. and R.S. could use new clothing. The family also needs household items and supplies.

Our anonymous Santa will match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.

Christmas Fund donations are used for families who need help through the holidays. Any money remaining after the holidays will be used to help those in need throughout the year.

HOW TO DONATE

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

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

For those interested in making credit card donations, please call Helen at 440-3831 with your name, address, credit card number, expiration date and amount of donation.

Material goods may be taken to the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For details, call 440-3804.

RECENT DONATIONS TO THE CHRISTMAS FUND