After reading a Christmas Fund story Tuesday about a young family of four who share a twin bed and a small studio apartment downtown, a reader from Makiki knew she wanted to help.

"We were almost homeless three years ago," said the mother of five, who asked to be identified only as Carla. She and her husband lost their jobs, house and car and were forced into transitional housing for nearly six months.

Carla found a job as a waitress and was able to afford a small apartment for her husband and her five children. "I'm the type of person who is always grateful for what I have," said Carla. "But I always know there is someone who has less," she said.

She offered children's clothing and toys to the young family and even offered to cook them a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.

Other readers also offered to help the young family as well as others profiled this week.

"People are calling up. They seem genuinely concerned and really want to help with monetary donations as well as with goods," said Maria Chomyszak, Helping Hands Hawai'i Community Clearinghouse program manager.

So far, the clearinghouse has received dozens of phone calls and has made several appointments to pick up bulky items from donors including sofas, televisions, appliances, beds and cribs.

Grace Higa also called after reading about the young family of four. "I had usable beds here and wanted to give it to someone else I know needs it," said Higa. She called the story "heartbreaking" and said it reminded her that "there are families out there who need our help."

Another reader called and wanted to anonymously purchase a crib for the young family. She said she was so caught up in making her Christmas list that she forgot about those who are less fortunate than her family. Reading Tuesday's story reminded her.

"Rather than buying things for ourselves, we would rather buy this woman and her family a crib," she said.

And a family profiled on Monday that needed a car seat for a 7-year-old with cerebral palsy will have their wish granted. At least one reader agreed to donate a car seat for the family, said Chomyszak. And one other had offered to buy the family a car seat.

Chomyszak said she initially was concerned with "donor fatigue," especially after the outpouring of donations to Hurricane Katrina victims from concerned Hawai'i residents.

"But so far, it is going really well," she said.

State Rep. Brian Schatz, D-25th (Makiki, Tantalus), executive director of Helping Hands Hawai'i, said he is encouraged by this year's initial response.

"People so far have proven to be very generous," he said.

Melanie Asuncion of Kapolei read yesterday's story about a woman raising three daughters on her own and felt compelled to help with a donation.

"I have two kids also, and I understand how it is to fall on hard times," said Asuncion, 35. "I don't have much, but I'm willing to help any way I can."

Christmas Fund donations
Ba-Le Inc. $3,000
Jean & William Mau Foundation $1,000
Richard D. Hess $500
William & Diane Hahn $200
Mary V. Lee $200
Esther Stubblefield $200
Lydia Au, in loving memory of Laurel Au Muneaka $100
Richard & Gina Burns $100
Ignacio M. Cariaga $100
William & Betty Fiddler $100
E J Gerner $100
Lean Elaine Gold $100
Jean L.J. Lum $100
Jack & Leslie Mattice $100
Elizabeth W. Takahashi, in memory of Sakae Takahashi $100
Everett B. Young $100
Rosha Gayatao $50
Harold Nakamura $50
Leslie Barnes & Robert Heisler $25
Gail M. Cook, in memory of Adam Moniz $25
Annie C. Kau $25
Mary H. Lemonnier $25
Glenn & Jean Sakai $25
Georgia Ann K. Cabang $20
Wallace & Pearl Pratt $10
Anonymous $25
Total $6,380