A few years ago, Calmentina Himalaya Kutzen and her husband were on a destructive path led by drugs.

Then the state took away their children, which served as the wake-up call that would change their lives.

"My kids shouldn't be damaged from my wrongdoing, so it snapped me out of it," Kutzen said. "My kids are supposed to be living their life, not mine."

The couple completed drug treatment and parenting programs, got their children back, and moved to another neighborhood to raise their family in a healthier environment.

And now, Kutzen and her husband are pursuing other goals to further improve things for their children and themselves.

Kutzen's husband is a full-time student in Honolulu Community College's carpentry program. Kutzen, who works full time as an overnight stock worker at Wal-Mart, plans to begin school in January to get a degree in early childhood education.

For the couple, going back to school will go a long way toward helping them get better jobs. The education plans also are intended to set a good example for their children.

"We're trying to show our kids that we're role models," Kutzen said. "We're just trying to teach our kids that it's OK to stay in school, that it will help give them a jump-start in their future."

But while the couple is working toward a better life, finances are tight for the family of seven. Even with Kutzen's full-time employment and her husband's on-call job with a local cleaning company, Kutzen said it can be a challenge to make ends meet every month.

Kutzen's family is in need of basic items, like blankets and bath and kitchen towels.

Kutzen and her husband would also appreciate any clothes and toys for the children so they'll have something to open on Christmas Day.

Having at least some presents for the children would "make them feel special on Christmas Day," she said. "They deserve it."

Her 11-year-old daughter wears a 10-12 pants/S shirt, her 14-year-old son wears size 30 pants/M-L shirt, her 5-year-old son wears a size 5-6, her 4-year-old son wears a 4-5T, and her 2-year-old son wears a 3T.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.