The Urayanis — a young couple with three children — used to share a small home with 15 other adults. The experience made them all the more grateful for their new rental, a Wahiawa apartment they share with two adults.

"It's more than what we had," said Tana Urayani. "It's comfortable."

The family moved into their new home in October, with some rent assistance from The Salvation Army. Urayani said her children love the new home, and the family has been enjoying the stability and space.

"This is actually our first real rental," Urayani said.

The couple, both of whom are 24, have two daughters and an infant son: 4-year-old Shaela, 3-year-old Shaelyn and 5-month-old Shaeden.

During the day, the mother stays home to take care of her children, and Zack Urayani works as a carpenter.

Recently, Urayani got laid off from the carpenter's union because of the holiday construction slowdown. But he's been able to work other labor jobs to pay the rent.

The family gets about $200 in welfare subsidies, which goes to diapers and other baby needs. The Urayanis also get a food stamp supplement.

Once her children are a little older, Tana Urayani wants to return to work. She said she would like to be a waitress so she could get daily tips.

In the meantime, the mother is enjoying the time with her children.

She said she's watched her two daughters blossom into beautiful young girls. Her baby boy, she said, is the center of her world.

"More than anything, I want to be a good role model for my kids. I want to show them that even though life is hard, family will keep you strong and happy," Urayani said. "I will work hard to make that happen." For Christmas, Urayani's daughters would enjoy some educational toys.

The 4-year-old, Shaela, will be entering kindergarten next year, and Urayani wants to make sure she's on track for her age.

For the infant, Urayani is asking for diapers and baby wipes.

All the kids also need new clothes. The 4-year-old wears size 5 or 6; the 2-year-old wears 3T or 4T; and the 5-month-old, size 9-12 months.

RECENT DONATIONS TO THE ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND

Milton and Flo Kakaio — $500

Katherine and Benigno Alcoran, in memory of Gloria N., Ronald G. and Pedro M. — $300

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Kay and Dick Hollier — $200

Arthur and Nancy Moss, in memory of Dick Perrine — $200

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M. Eleanor and Richard Fahrenwald — $100

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Jo-Ann Kocher — $100

Bob and Judy Maguire — $100

Randy Nakashima — $100

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Velma Pinson, in memory of Charles N. Pinson — $100

Carl Reber — $100

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Kin Ho Tung — $100

Nancy Turrini-Hudson — $100

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Donald Lee — $50

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Richard Rovin — $50

Nancy and Kaname Sasaki, in loving memory of Yoshiyuki Takahashi — $50

Tara — $50

Julie L. Young — $50

Marsha Jokura — $30

Breakfast gang, in memory of our friends Hannah K. and Carol K. — $25

Sarah Florino — $25

Florence Y.F. Hee — $25

Jane Kirby — $25

Stacy Ozaki Mashiba — $25

James and Linda Beehler Paul — $25

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Barbara Sheer, in loving memory of Patti Ann Carroll — $25

Marcella and Rogelio Simon, in memory of Manuel and Tina Gomes — $25

Tiana, Chasity and Preston — $25

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Norman and Jean Freitas — $20

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Anonymous, Happy Birthday, Jesus — $200

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Total — $4,857

Previous total — $56,986.34

Total to date — $61,843.34

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.