R.D. and her two children live in a transitional shelter, but it wasn't long ago that they were living out of their car.

"I cried every day," R.D. said. "It was harder on the kids."

Each day after R.D.'s children got off of school, the family would drive in their small Honda to Blaisdell Park in Pearl City, where they would stay until nightfall.

Then R.D. would drive to a well-lit parking lot, where they would spend the night. The family would take showers in parks and get ready for work or school at bathrooms in fast-food restaurants.

But R.D. said the hardest part about being homeless wasn't finding a good meal or a place to take a shower, but rather seeing her children go through it.

"It was hard trying to talk to them about being homeless," R.D. said. "My kids kept telling me that everything will be OK and that we'll find a place to live."

Her older daughter's severe asthma made living out of her car even more difficult. The family would sometimes go to R.D.'s sister's house. But the family couldn't stay there because her sister's landlord restricted people not listed on the contract from staying long-term.

R.D. once had a good job that paid more than enough for bills and rent. But her health began to decline rapidly and she was forced to leave her job.

R.D. has a high-blood-pressure problem that causes her legs to swell. Doctors have run test after test but haven't found a cause or a solution, she said.

After five months of being homeless, R.D. was accepted into transitional housing.

With the holidays fast approaching, R.D. said she is saddened that she cannot afford the things that her children would like.

For Christmas, the family would like household items such as towels, bed sheets, pillows and possibly a medium-size refrigerator.

Her children would like new clothes. Her children have also asked for math and word games to help them in school.

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.

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

RECENT DONATIONS

• Landon Barretto for Adopt A Family $1,000
• Agnes H. Fujimoto in memory of Yutaka, Helen, Ernest and Mary Awaya and Mitsuru Fujimoto $125
• Susan, Stewart, Elliot, Erica, Hugh and family $100
• Cheryl Sato Ishii $50
• Marilyn Smith in memory of Lavinia $50
• Noelani Wong in memory of Irene Akana $50
• Keahi Wong in memory of Annie Akana $50
• Kaimina'auao Wong in memory of Timothy Au $50
• Bubbles, Bear & Pongo $40
• Winnie & Saichi $40
• V.B. & D.W. Bates $25
• O'ahu Community Correctional Center $25
• Anonymous $1,000
• Anonymous $300
• Anonymous $250
• Anonymous $100
• Anonymous $100
• Anonymous $100
• Anonymous $25

Total: $3,480
Previous total: $100,046.40
Total to date: $103,526.40