D.K. struggles to live on a fixed income while raising three children — two of whom have mental illnesses.

The family's caseworker said the care that D.K.'s daughters need is demanding and because of that she has been unable to find a job.

D.K. must frequently take her daughters to doctor and hospital visits. Her 10-year-old daughter is severely mentally ill and is frequently hospitalized. Her 12-year-old daughter also has diabetes in addition to her mental illness.

The family lives in a small one-bedroom apartment in Wahiawa and struggles to pay rent.

At least three days out of the week, D.K. also cares for her disabled grandmother.

D.K.'s only source of income is from federal and state assistance. Recently one of her sources was cut, said the family's caseworker.

The caseworker said that caring for mentally ill children can be draining and D.K. "is being stretched thin."

They could use a sofa bed, because some of the family often sleep in the living room. D.K.'s daughters also need 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.

HOW TO DONATE

Send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Checks also may be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.

For those interested in making credit card donations, please call Helen at 440-3831 with your name, address, credit card number, expiration date and amount of donation.

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

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.