K.C. recently learned that her landlord is raising the rent on her Makiki apartment by several hundred dollars.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," said the single mother of three, who struggled to pay her monthly rent even before the increase.

In the present tight housing market, K.C. said, it is difficult to find another place to live, let alone a place that fits her limited budget.

"It's very hard right now. I just can't afford most places," she said.

Despite the constant financial struggles, K.C. said, she is determined to make life better for her three daughters.

K.C. wakes at 5 each morning to take her 2-year-old daughter to the baby sitter and her 8- and 9-year-old daughters to school near the University of Hawai'i. Then she goes to work downtown — all by bus.

K.C. barely makes enough money for rent and the necessities, and now she has to worry about Christmas.

"Being a single mother taking care of three girls is very hard," K.C. said. She sometimes wishes that she could give her children more.

"Sometimes I wish I could take them shopping one day, splurge, or even take them to the movies. But financially, it is just not possible," she said.

K.C.'s oldest daughter is hoping Santa will bring her art supplies because she loves to draw. Her second-oldest daughter is hoping for a Bratz doll. K.C. wants her 2-year-old to have educational toys.

The family's caseworker said they could use household items such as a rice cooker, dishes, pots and pans, and a blender.

Our anonymous Santa will match the first $25 of each donation to the Christmas Fund.

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.

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.

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