Across the country, the stories are downright painful to hear. Parents going without dinner so their kids can have enough to eat, so that they don't go to bed hungry. Students saving part of the free and reduced-priced school lunches to take home to their families — families struggling to put food on the table during these tough economic times.

Here in the Islands, the tales are just as compelling. One such story, by Advertiser writer Dan Nakaso, appeared in yesterday's paper. Nakaso shared the plight of an Aloha Airlines worker of 21 years, who suddenly found himself without a job and a paycheck.

Across the Islands, people are coping with the increasing cost of living. It seems the cost of everything is on the rise, from food to gas to utility bills. It's making life all that much harder for those living on the economic margins.

The good news is you can help by contributing to the Neighbors in Need Fund. The fund, established by The Advertiser, Helping Hands Hawai'i and KGMB, targets those who recently lost their jobs — Aloha Airlines employees, Molokai Ranch workers and ATA and Weyerhaeuser Co. employees among them. The money will help these folks pay for medical expenses, basic living expenses and other necessities.

The fundraising drive comes during tough economic times, both nationally and here at home. It's when help is most needed.

It can happen to any of us. The economy takes a turn and you suddenly find yourself jobless.

So if you can spare the cash, pitch in to help our Neighbors in Need. Together, we can truly make a difference.