F.H. and her family of five live in a Waialua home they share with at least six other people.

In addition to her three children, F.H. also cares for her elderly parents.

F.H.'s boyfriend, D.C., earns minimum wage doing stonework, and her 17-year-old daughter works part time to help the family make ends meet.

The family's combined income is often not enough to pay for basic necessities, said the family's case worker.

F.H.'s 63-year-old mother has cancer, and on top of everyday expenses, family members also help pay for her chemotherapy and medical care.

The family often uses its home to host church functions, and, in return, the church helps them pay part of their rent and food bill.

Sometimes extended family stay with F.H. in her home, and, at one time, as many as 16 people were living with her. Sharing living space allows this family to be able to afford its bills.

F.H. hopes the family will be able to save up to find another home of its own. But its present living situation is all it can afford right now.

F.H. said her family needs basic items, including diapers, wipes, a car seat and stroller for their 6-month-old baby. She also needs pots and pans, bath supplies, towels, curtains and sheets.

The couple's three children are hoping Santa will bring them a small, plastic pool.

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.

RECENT CHRISTMAS FUND DONATIONS