She and her daughter don't have much, but this single mom stays positive and strives to set a good example for her little girl.

The 33-year-old single mother, who asked not to be identified, said it's difficult to hear her 10-year-old daughter ask for things that other children have. Sometimes it's hard to explain that she can't afford to buy her daughter what she wants.

But at the same time, this mother tries to look at their situation in a positive light. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, she takes the opportunity to teach her daughter the value of money and hard work.

"I take it as turning it around to strengthen my daughter," she said. "There's always a benefit to something, no matter if your child can't get a certain thing that maybe other parents can give their children right away.

"I know that she will be OK when she gets older. She'll be OK not to just expect things right away."

She stresses to her daughter these lessons and at the same time is determined to wisely budget the money she earns from her full-time job with the state. That means going without many of the extras that other families enjoy in order for her to pay for rent, bills and other necessities.

The mother receives Section 8 housing assistance and has been looking into other opportunities to become fully self-sufficient.

She's also working toward obtaining promotions and better job opportunities to earn more money.

And she's grateful for what she does have.

"We may not have a Jaguar or a Hummer, but at least we have clothes on our backs and a good conscience of life," she said.

The family of two's wish list includes a computer and, if possible, a full bed.

Her daughter has been asking for a computer to help her with her school lessons and homework. The computer would also help the mother to enhance her own job skills through online courses as well as conduct job searches.

Her daughter also needs a larger bed to replace an old twin bed.

RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND

Ronald & Manjit Reddick — $150

Nancy Buxton — $100

Bradley Kam — $100

Renate Layi & Herta Schneevoigt — $100

Kurt & Jeanne Lemon — $100

Phil Miller in loving memory of Winston Miller — $100

Leilani & Gilgorich Sanidad — $100

Shirley Garcia — $50

Lydia & Walter Leonard — $50

Valery O'Brien — $35

Clarkson Chin — $25

Petty Floyd — $25

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Marcella & Rogelio Simon in loving memory of Sonny & Tina Gomes — $25

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Sonnin & Barbara Ann Stuart — $25

Elaine Tanaja & Francis Ching — $25

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Charles K C Young — $25

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Anonymous — $150

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Anonymous in memory of G., T., A & M. Seo — $20

Anonymous in memory of Frances M. Wood — $20

Total — $1,570

Previous total — $113,565. 78

Total to date — $115,135.78

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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