ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
It's time life changed for the better
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Help our neighbors in need |
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
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It breaks this mother's heart when her sons talk about being picked on at school for wearing secondhand clothes.
"It's a helpless feeling," said the 33-year-old single mother of two, who didn't want to be identified. "Because that's the best I can do for them."
The boys have been through so much, she said.
Her youngest son, now 10, suffered from a severe staph infection last year that resulted in his toe being amputated, which affects his balance. Most of his clothes don't fit because of the swelling in his leg, and he's now in therapy to deal with the psychological issues following the illness, she said.
Her 12-year-old son has stepped up to help take care of his little brother and lift mom's spirits.
"They've already had grief and hurt," she said. "They don't deserve any more of that."
The family of three share one room in her parents' house; her sons sleep on a bed while she sleeps on the floor.
Although she has a full-time job as an administrative program assistant at a nonprofit agency, she has little money left after paying for rent, bills, food and other necessities. She doesn't collect welfare assistance.
But she's driven to do better for herself and her sons.
In addition to her job, she carries a full-time schedule at Leeward Community College in Wai'anae and is studying business management and business technology.
She said she eventually wants to earn a master's degree in business management and run her own business.
It's a grueling schedule, but "the goal is in my mind," she said. "If I work hard enough, they'll get everything they need and want. And it shows them that if Mommy can go to school, then so can you."
The family is in need of clothes and shoes, bath towels, comforters, sheets and pillows.
The mother would also appreciate a bike for her 12-year-old son, a scooter for her 10-year-old and video games for the PlayStation 2 that the boys' uncle gave them.
Her sons both wear size 34 pants and 1X shirt. Her 12-year-old wears size 9 shoes and her 10-year-old wears an 8 1/2-9 shoe. She wears size 22 pants and 2X shirt/dress.
RECENT DONATIONS TO THE ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Hawaii K-Drama Fan Club — $1,400
Edwin Lelepali, in loving memory of Mrs. Rosie Lelepali, Tyson, Whitey & Blackie — $1,000
Edward "Roman" Takeuchi, in loving memory of Nana Irene May Esber Takeuch — $1,000
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Ronald T. Ohori — $100
Judy Riekena — $100
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Andrew Akiyama, in loving memory of Estelle Akiyama — $50
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Beatrice Gould — $50
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Total — $8,055
Previous total — $39,234.64
Total to date — $47,289.64
Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.
