For a 29-year-old mother of five, life would be a little easier with a washing machine.

The woman, her husband, five children and her 14-year-old brother live in a two-bedroom home in Wahiawa. The woman, who asked not to be identified, and her husband came to Hawai'i from American Samoa in 2003 so their child, who was 9 months old at the time, could undergo a life-saving heart operation.

The child is now 4 years old and faring better, but needs annual checkups and sometimes visits to the emergency room for asthma treatments. The couple's 1-year-old child also needs medical treatment for his arm, which was paralyzed at birth.

"I don't know how we can get ahead in this country, because it is so expensive," the mother said. "But if we go back to Samoa, my two sons will not have such good healthcare."

The woman takes care of her little ones as a stay-at-home mom, and her husband holds a part-time job as a dishwasher at a Schofield Barracks mess hall. He brings home about $1,000 a month, barely covering rent.

The family is often strapped for cash, and would gladly accept any donations of diapers, baby wipes and other household items. Also, the mother said she washes the family's clothes at a laundromat, but is sometimes unable to afford it. She said a washing machine — new or used — would be a great help.

"We have been very challenged here to make ends meet," the mother said. "But our children's health is worth any and all sacrifices we must make."

The mom said she misses her parents and siblings in American Samoa, but added that her children and brother are thriving in Hawai'i. They do have some family in the Islands, but cannot turn to them for help because they are also struggling.

The ages of the children in the family range from 1 to 9. They welcome any clothing donations, and would also enjoy some toys for Christmas. The mother said the kids have been asking for a video game player, and would be grateful for a used system.

RECENT DONATIONS TO THE ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND

In memory of Mary Ann and Chris Carty — $25
Employment specialists — $500
Bluffs at Mauna Kea — $250
Bill and Diane Hahn — $250
Gloria Munson in memory of Leon J. Munson — $200
Elizabeth Takahashi in memory of Sakae Takahashi — $200
Alan Fujii — $100
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society — $100
Viola Maloney in memory of Larry Maloney — $100
Garret Masuda — $100
Mel, Dar, Chad and Quin — $100
Reid and Kelsie in memory of Grandpa — $100
Jan Rensel and Alan Howard in memory of my father Paul Rensel — $100
Ann Watanabe — $100
Alden and Doris Avery — $50
Katherine Holloway — $50
James Kaneshiro — $50
Helen Klein — $50
Lola and Walter Luke — $50
Robert Matsuwaka in memory of Takeshi Matsuwaka — $50
Marie Weite — $50
Annabelle Runnels — $30
Jeanne Bay — $25
Ruth D. Merz in memory of William J. & Ruth E. Merz — $25
Homer and Angela Meyer — $25
Motorsports TV Productions — $25
Itsuko Sueoka — $25
Nancy Pearl — $20
Harmony Bentosino — $15
Anonymous — $100
Anonymous — $35
Anonymous — $25
Anonymous in memory of Jim Leonard — $20
Anonymous in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Laurence R. Smith & Philip Zeiler — $20


Total: $2,940
Previous total: $5,135
Total to date: $8,075

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.