ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
Impoverished Hawaii family needs clothes
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Help our neighbors in need |
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Samuelyn and Siatu'u Tauai often remind their children to be happy with what they have, even if it's not much.
The family has little money to spare, making it difficult to even buy clothes and shoes for the children, Samuelyn Tauai said. But she said her children, as young as they are, have grown to understand the family's situation and to accept what they have.
"My kids try not to ask for too much because they know we can't get it," she said. "They're good kids. ... They don't grumble."
The couple is trying hard to provide for their children. This year, Samuelyn got her first job and is working part time as a van driver for patients. She said she loves the job and hopes to eventually work full time.
And after being laid off, Siatu'u started working again as a drywall worker.
But money is still tight because they are now trying to catch up with bills that they had fallen behind on when Siatu'u was laid off, Samuelyn said.
But the family, which receives Section 8 housing assistance, is still grateful.
The couple said they're thankful to those who have helped them and feel blessed to have each other, food on the table and a home.
Samuelyn said she and her husband were able to get their children each one small present, mostly from the swap meet.
"We tell (the children) they should be happy with what they (have) because a lot of kids out there" don't have anything, she said.
The Tauais would appreciate clothing, shoes, toiletries and any toys for their children.
Their 3-year-old boy wears a children's 5-6 pants and medium shirt; their 5-year-old son wears a children's 8-10 pants and large shirt; their 9-year-old son wears a youth 14-16 pants and small shirt; and their 10-year-old daughter wears a youth 8-10 pants and small-medium shirt/dress. Samuelyn wears a size 18 pants and 2XL shirt/dress; her husband wears a 44 pants and 3X shirt.
The family's shoe sizes are men's 14, women's 8 and 9, and boys' 4, 5 and 7.
The children have also been dreaming of having a computer to help them with their school work and games for an Xbox that their uncle gave them years ago.
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Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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