Some day, Jessie Akana wants to go to school and learn a trade.

But, she says, she has to wait until her family and finances are stable — and that could take a few years. The 23-year-old, her boyfriend and their four children live at the Onemalu Transitional Shelter in Kalaeloa. Before they moved in, they were living in the crowded homes of relatives. Now, they're looking for an affordable home.

"My plan is to find a place," Akana said.

Three years ago, Akana and her boyfriend were renting their own apartment. It was small, but just enough for the couple and their kids.

But the stability didn't last.

"We couldn't pay our rent," Akana said. "We ended up staying with family."

Over the next few years, they roomed with relatives, bouncing from house to house and never feeling at home. Some nights, they slept in their truck.

Akana grew up in Wai'anae and is a graduate of Nanakuli High School. Her boyfriend works for a repossession and towing service. He earns about $2,400 a month, which barely covers the family's expenses. Keeping their children clothed, fed and in diapers is difficult for them. "We try to make ends meet on our limited income," Akana said.

The couple has a 4-year-old girl, 3-year-old twin boys and a 1-year-old girl.

Right now, Akana is unable to work because she cannot find reliable childcare. To earn as much money as he can, Akana's boyfriend works as many as seven days a week.

For Christmas, Jessie Akana is asking for a few toys, books and clothes for her kids. The 4-year-old girl wears 4T; the twin boys, 3T and 4T; and the 1-year-old girl wears 18-24 months.

The mother is also asking for any donations of diapers and baby wipes.

RECENT DONATIONS TO THE ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND

One generous Hawai'i resident, dubbed the fund's "Secret Santa," is pledging to match the first $25 of each donation. It's a pledge he's made every year for more than a decade. Last year alone, he donated $36,000.


Bill Owens — $1,000

Leong Family Limited Partnership — $500

Judith and Melfried Olson — $400

Patricia and Cedric Choi — $250

Jean McGuire Coleman — $250

Pamela Thompson — $200

Tobin Family — $200

Rob and Sue — $150

Betty Vitousek — $150

Artin H. Toorinjian — $101

June Melton-Shumate — $100

Rita and J. Campbell Shuford, in memory of Richard Carlson, Ph.D. — $100

Lynette Stobie — $100

Cynthia Tsujiuchi — $100

Ormond Hammond and Lesley Agard — $50

Anita Jewell — $50

Denis and Sylvia Kam — $50

Kent, Gwynelle and Liam, in loving memory of Gung-gung — $50

Merry Christmas, in memory of Haksoon and James Mercado and Rene Catalan — Love, Your Family — $50

Amy Tousman — $35

Tiare and Dmitrius Mite — $30

Robert and Rowena Dufford — $25

Mia Masuda, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Tai Masuda, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Sufrin Family, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Shannon Vuillemot, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Sean Vuillemot, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Sheryl Vuillemot, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Scott Vuillemot, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Charles Ying, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Cian Ying, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Jasmine Ying, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Jacqui Ying, in memory of "Uncle Ash & Dino" — $25

Bennett Baird — $20

Eleanor and Fukuichi Kusakabe — $20

Michael and Carol Nakamura — $20

Anonymous — $100

Anonymous — $55

Anonymous — $50

Anonymous — $40


Total — $ 4,521

Previous total: — $ 114,623.82

Total to date: — $ 119,144.82

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.