The 61-year-old man with cerebral palsy finds a calm peace when he listens to Hawaiian music. It helps him to relax while he's in his manual wheelchair.

The man, who asked not to be identified, has been longing to get a portable CD player with headphones so he can enjoy his music when he leaves his home.

But he can't afford much. Virtually all of his Social Security benefits go to pay for basic necessities, such as rent, food and bills. It's difficult for him to even buy clothes.

He knows that with his monthly income limits, "I cannot go overboard" in spending.

"It may be hard, but I am trying really hard," he said.

Just a simple portable CD player would go a long way for this man, who said Hawaiian music is therapeutic for him.

"It makes me calm," he said.

The man has been living independently in a one-bedroom apartment partially subsidized by the government for almost 30 years. He used to walk with a cane or a walker, but his physical condition deteriorated as he grew older, and he's been in a manual wheelchair for about 10 years.

He has difficulty speaking and often has to repeat himself to his caseworker and others in communicating his needs.

But the man keeps a positive attitude. He said he's grateful for his brother, his caseworker "and for my life."

"Be happy with what you have," he said. "Because some people don't have nothing."

In addition to a portable CD player and a CD with Hawaiian songs, the man needs some new clothes and shoes, which would help boost his self-esteem and make him feel "very nice (and) very neat."

He would appreciate clothes like pants, a polo shirt, and rubber or leather shoes for him to wear during his church and community activities.

He wears a size 46x30 pants and a 2XL shirt.

RECENT DONATIONS

David Ihle in memory of my wife, Marge (d. 3/20/07) — $2,000

Herbert S.H. Au — $250

Linda, Mike & Gerry — The Monthly Lunch Bunch — $150

'Aiea Boy in Idaho Falls, Idaho — $105

Dorothy Nell & Alfred Bloom — $100

Frederic & Frances Brossy in memory of Harold & Ann Kay — $100

Raymond & Kleona Corsini — $100

Maria Dearmore — $100

Diane Gibbons in loving memory of Lily Liberty Wolter — $100

Sharon Muraoka in loving memory of Roy Muraoka — $100

Carl L. Reber — $100

Sharon & Jen — $100

James & Janet Swift — $100

Naomi & Alex Weinstein — $100

In loving memory of Phyllis & Don Parker from their children — $100

Martin & Ethel Gustafson — $50

Melvin M. Ige — $50

Yaeko Kamei & Kathryn Damrau — $50

Helen Klein — $50

Ciriaca B. Dumayas in memory of Felito Dumayas — $30

Candy in memory of Mary Albao Sabate — $25

June Doolin — $25

Joan Gilbert in memory of Father John — $25

Joan Gilbert in memory of Nick Tomko — $25

Joan Gilbert in memory of Lana — $25

Joan Gilbert in memory of Shelagh — $25

Eleanor S. Enomoto Izutsu — $25

Robert Murray — $25

Craig & Leila Nagamine — $25

Marjorie Powell — $25

Anonymous — $500

Anonymous — $300

Anonymous — $200

Anonymous — $100

Anonymous — $100

Anonymous — $50

Total — $ 5,335

Previous total — $ 70,408.64

Total to date — $ 75,743.64

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.