Two years ago, S.P. moved to Hawai'i from the Marshall Islands to care for her sick mother. She hoped to be able to find a job, too.

However, S.P. discovered that her mother's diabetes was so serious, she would need to become her mother's full-time caregiver.

This single mother also cares for her four children, ages 7 months and 3, 6 and 8 years.

The family lives in public housing in Kalihi and the only money S.P. receives is a small stipend to care for her mother, who is on dialysis.

S.P.'s children are smart and eager to learn even though English is not their first language.

Her 8-year-old son has been given many awards at school and her 6-year-old daughter recently won a reading achievement award.

S.P. said she believes that education is important and hopes it will give her children a brighter future.

Both S.P.'s older son and daughter hope Santa will bring them a bike for Christmas.

She also hopes the children could get new clothes, to spare the youngsters from being teased in school because their clothing and shoes are not always in the best shape. She said it makes her sad.

S.P. would also like age-appropriate books since her children like to read. S.P. said it will help her children have a better vocabulary and become more comfortable with English.

She is also requesting a bunk bed for her two older children, who now sleep on the floor.

S.P.'s infant daughter also needs clothes.

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.

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

RECENT DONATIONS

• Robert & Sharon Ehrhorn $500
  
• D.M. Oughtred $500
  
• Saundra Keyes $500
  
• Helen Sheehan $300
  
• John & Jennifer Hoffee $250
  
• Eldon & Mariana Becker $200
  
• Ronald Pang $150
  
• Frank Nishimura & June Becker $125
  
• Marian Bernal $100
  
• Victoria Blake for Adopt A Family $100
  
• Gary & Linda Brewer $100
  
• Raymond & Kleona Corsini $100
  
• Georgette Deemer in memory of Dr. George Takushi $100
  
• Herbert H. Frantz $100
  
• Jim & Carol Gunn $100
  
• Joren & Chandre Hinrichs $100
  
• R.H. & J.H. Iwai $100
  
• Reid Iwamoto $100
  
• Mary Kimball in memory of Polly $100
  
• Elisabeth Knoke $100
  
• Benjamin & Florence Kodama $100
  
• Roy Kurata $100
  
• Raymond & Carolyn Kurosu $100
  
• Ann K. Lawson $100
  
• Joel S. Lawson Jr. $100
  
• Joseph O’Mealy $100
  
• Rosei & Edna Shinsato $100
  
• Timothy & Theresa Snavely $100
  
• Tanner, Eryn, Taylor & Peyton $100
  
• Annie & Neil Arakaki $50
  
• Beatrice Gould $50
  
• Hammond S.K. Hu in memory of Irene Punohu $50
  
• Dennis & Helen Klein $50
  
• Ken Marume $50
  
• William Maxson $50
  
• Paul & Carol Murayama $50
  
• Francis & Patricia Santos $50
  
• Rhea Yamashiro $50
  
• Alice Yasutake $50
  
• Ingeborg Hopkins in memory of her loving husband Wendell P. Hopkins $35
  
• Charles Allan $25
  
• Kyle & Nancy Arsiga $25
  
• Yvonne Firing $25
  
• C.W. McLenahan in memory of Jay Warren $25
  
• Margery Mulkern $25
  
• Popi $25
  
• Karen Radius $25
  
• Ruth Rand $25
  
• Vickie Raquepo $25
  
• John & Theresa Rivera $25
  
• Yotsugi Sakata $25
  
• P.L. & E.M. Scharff $25
  
• T.R. & J.A. Schneider $25
  
• Donald & Jill Richards $20
  
• RLM Company LLC $20
  
• Dawnyette Sheldon $20
  
• Ann Matsumura $10
  
• Kerry Meyer $10
  
• Anonymous $100
  
• Anonymous $100
  
• Anonymous $75
  
• Anonymous $60
  
• Anonymous $25
  

Total $5,925

Previous total $12,480

Total to date $18,405

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.