There's the family of five who'd like to go to a regular restaurant, just once.

The single mother who got off drugs, reclaimed her life and now wants to raise her three children independently.

A couple who can pay the bills, but can't afford Christmas presents for their kids.

These stories and more, told by Advertiser writer Suzanne Roig for this year's Advertiser Christmas Fund drive, touched the hearts and wallets of many of our readers.

So far, donations total about $140,000, ranging from $1 to $20,000 from the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation.

This generosity is especially heartening in this dismal economy. Spending money is hard enough; giving it away is a true act of faith and good will. For those who have given, a heartfelt thank you. For those who wish to, donations will be accepted through Dec. 31. Mahalo and aloha!