The family of 10 share a one-bedroom apartment on Kina'u Street.

Though they struggle to get by, they are grateful daily to live in Hawai'i.

"It's better than back home," said the 25-year-old mother, who shares the apartment with her husband, five children, father-in-law and two brothers-in-law. "Here, we've found jobs."

The family came to the Islands from Chuuk three years ago, looking for work and a brighter future. The mother, who asked not to be identified, said her husband and one of her brothers-in-law are employed. The two earn poverty wages, and the family is struggling to pay the rent and cover the costs of food and household items. Still, the family is happy for what they have.

And the mother is optimistic that her children will succeed as they grow, with a better education and better chances to succeed in the Islands. "I want them to learn how to speak English," she said.

The mother has 6-year-old twins, a 4-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 4-month-old. The children sleep on the floor because the family cannot afford to purchase beds. They wear old clothes because the family cannot afford new ones.

The mom said she won't be able to buy Christmas gifts for her little ones, given the family's tight finances. She wants to make the holidays special, she said, and would appreciate any assistance. The family is asking for clothes for the kids, beds and toys.

"I worry that my children are uncomfortable sleeping on the hard floor," the mother said. "They have found bugs in their sleeping things."

The mom also is asking for diapers and other baby items for her infant daughter. Her twins, one girl and one boy, wear medium-size shirts. The girl wears a size 6 in children's, and the boy wears a size 7. The 4-year-old and the 3-year-old, both boys, wear size 4 or 5.

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Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.