Grand total: $162,796.41

Holidays bring a chance to aid needy

The Advertiser’s Christmas Fund is a partnership between The Advertiser, Helping Hands Hawaii and KGMB9 to raise money to help thousands of families who have fallen on tough times. The Advertiser will profile a different family in need each day during the holiday season.

These families represent only a fraction of those helped by the fund. Send checks, payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund," to Helping Hands Hawaii, 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 desk.

Monetary donations will provide help with past due rent, utilities and other basic needs year-round.

Material goods may be taken to the Community Clearinghouse, 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road, during the following hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday (Dec. 6-20 only), 8 a.m. to noon.

To schedule a donation pick-up for large items, or to make a monetary donation by phone, call 440-3800. To donate online, use the ChipIn tool at right.