A.L. would like to buy her three children gifts this Christmas, but with her family's financial situation it likely will be impossible.

After bills, food and medical expenses, "there will be no more (money) left over for Christmas," said A.L.

In addition to taking care of her three children, she also cares for her sick sister, who recently moved to Hawai'i from the Marshall Islands because of her medical problems. "Right now I can't work. I'm taking care of my new baby," A.L. said.

A.L.'s husband works at a local clothing distribution warehouse. But the bills have become too much to handle, and A.L.'s husband recently began looking for a second job.

Taking care of her 7-month-old son is complicated enough, said 28-year-old A.L. But three times a week, she takes her sister to the hospital for dialysis treatment and brings her baby along. The family would like a dining room table since they often eat their meals sitting on the floor in the living room.

"I really would like to be able to teach my children table manners," said A.L., who came to Hawai'i in 2000 from the Marshall Islands.

A.L said she would like her 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter to have their own bicycles. Her children would also like toys for Christmas  a toy car or truck for her son and a doll for her daughter.

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.

Our anonymous Santa has generously offered once again this year to match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.