Several years ago, Shaunna found herself in an abusive relationship with her children's father, who became addicted to crystal methamphetamine.

With her mother's help, she got out of the harmful relationship. Then Shaunna was hit with a devastating loss a year later when her mother — her best friend and key source of support — died of lung cancer.

Shaunna, who didn't want her full name printed in this story, said the memory of her mother motivates her to stay strong for her children. The 33-year-old single mom is doing what she can — balancing two jobs and school while raising three children.

She works as a paraprofessional tutor at one elementary school and as an A-plus afterschool care leader at another. She's also taking classes at Leeward Community College and plans to get a degree in education so she can become a teacher.

But even with Shaunna's income from two jobs, the family still needs partial welfare assistance. After paying rent and covering some other necessities, it's difficult to buy clothes and shoes for the children. She has to explain to her children why they can't have the things that other kids do.

Shaunna has also been trying to get some additional help for her oldest son, who was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and has been lashing out at school.

The daily demands can be exhausting and frustrating at times.

"It's just hard every day," Shaunna said. "It's like you're always working and trying to get ahead, and you always have that set amount of income.

"But you know, I appreciate what I have because I have my kids. ... I do appreciate all the help that I get. Every little bit helps."

The family's needs this Christmas include a queen-size bed, clothes and shoes.

Shaunna would also love for her children to have some presents. Her 14-year-old son has been asking for an iPod, and her 7-year-old son wants a Dragon Hot Wheels race track. Her 6-year-old daughter asked for a Rip Stick skateboard.

Her oldest son wears a 34/L pants and 14-15/L shirt; her youngest son wears a size 7-8 pants and 8 shirt; and her daughter wears a size 6 pants, 6-7 shirt/dress size. Shaunna wears a size 9-10 pants and M shirt.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.