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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, November 21, 2005

ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
School clothes, car seat on family's wish list

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Help our neighbors in need

By Loren Moreno
Advertiser Staff Writer

HOW 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.

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

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T.N., a 45-year-old mom, devotes all of her time to taking care of her six children, including her 7-year-old son, who was born with cerebral palsy.

T.N.'s husband works full time in a low-paying job. After the rent is paid, there is little left.

In addition to rent and food, the family struggles to purchase prescription medication to control their 7-year-old's seizures.

The parents would love to be able to give their children some new clothes for Christmas but without some assistance that is unlikely.

T.N. said her children, who range in age from 5 to 12, are teased in school because they must wear the same clothes every week.

The family also needs a new car seat for their son with cerebral palsy because he has outgrown his old one. The car seat should be capable of carrying a child weighing between 40 to 60 pounds.

T.N. said her son needs the extra protection while traveling.

"My family, especially my children, will experience the feeling of being grateful if they are the recipients of new clothes on Christmas," said T.N.. The family's case worker said the children's self-image would greatly improve with new clothes.

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

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.