Posted on: Monday, December 21, 2009
ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
2 sons need a merry holiday
By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer
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HOW TO DONATE
If you want to help, send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund," to Helping Hands Hawai'i, 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96819. Monetary donations may also be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch or The Advertiser's cashier's desk, or credit card donations can be accepted by phone at 440-3831. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 2. To donate online, go to www.honoluluadvertiser.com and click on the Christmas Fund icon. To schedule a donation pickup for large items, to make a monetary donation by phone, or to get information regarding adopting a family, call 440-3800 or e-mail hhh@helpinghandshawaii.org.
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For Aninta Aichy and her two young sons, ages 1 and 3, Christmas this year represents a time of confusion, anxiety and an unknown future.
That's because the family of four became a threesome in August after the father of Aichy's children walked out on them and returned to Chuuk alone. Suddenly, she was left to fend for herself and two kids.
Yet Aichy, 21, believes this Christmas could also mark a time of hope for a new and better beginning. For the sake of the children, Aichy is determined to see that happen.
She realizes that as a single mother working for minimum wage, her task will be daunting. But she remains focused. From the moment she was abandoned, Aichy's mind was set on finding a place of her own for the family so they wouldn't be a burden on their relatives.
She succeeded when the three found residence at Weinberg Village, Waimänalo, a homeless transitional shelter. She soon began working to get her older child enrolled in preschool, which enabled her to start her term at Job Corps Hawaii. Her aim is to get her diploma and then begin training as a certified nursing assistant.
While she is making progress, Aichy continues to struggle financially. She would be grateful for help from others to make Christmas merry for her sons.
"While there is much riding against Aninta right now, she is motivated to succeed no matter what," said Charnay Kalama, the family's case manager at the shelter. "She has a positive attitude about everything and really could use a good ending to this year so she can start off fresh in 2010."
That could make all the difference for this family, said Kalama.
"I just really want to have a happy Christmas for once," said Aichy.
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RECENT DONATIONS TO THE ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
In memory of Anne, Vince,
Vivian and Henry $750
In honor of Baby Jacob William
Almanza’s first Christmas $500
3 Fold Craftsman Construction $500
Gourmet Foods Hawaii $500
Love from Hickam FCU Hickam Branch. Tony, Pia, Cherita, Nanette, Alva, Mikie, Nancy, Hattie, Nyla, Jessica, Alissa,
Brenda Maria, SJ. God Bless! $300
Contemporary Gardens Inc. $300
Dede, Holland, Paula and Bill $300
Lance and Elaine Nakamura $250
In memory of Stanley and
Agnes Ing $200
In memory of Wing Yee and Sam Moi Wee $200
Pastor Jerry and Sonia $200
Pamela Thompson $200
In memory of Mitsuru, Yutaka, Helen, Ernest, Mary, Kikue and Ryan $100
In memory of Joseph KMK Collins,
John and Connie Collins $100
P and J $100
C.J.H. Chun and O.L. Chun $100
Jonathan Hyman $100
Elsie Liu $100
Roy and Frances Oshiro $100
Russell and Dale Ota $100
Carl Reber $100
Michael and Darlene Sanders $100
Priscilla and Ronald Shinmoto $100
Robert B. Whittier $75
In memory of Gung Gung and
Grandpa Joe $50
In memory of Margaret Hadley $50
In memory of Osayo Miura $50
In memory of William and
Margaret Smith $50
J.A.G. & M.M.L.G. $50
Joy and Glenn Nishino $50
Charles and Susan Pignataro $50
Thomas Huff $30
Lawrence M. Conley $25
Electra Gailas Fair $25
Claudette Nauuao $25
Katherine H. Wong $25
Anonymous $300
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $50
Total $6,705
Previous total $58,845
Grand total $65,550
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