Thousands seek CFA assistance
The thousands of Kootenai County individuals who have already asked for holiday help from Press Christmas for All this year each have a story of need.
They tell us why they are asking for holiday assistance on their applications. Some stories are long; others very short.
Sometimes their words speak for themselves.
* "I am 72 and alone, live in a HUD apartment and live on $613 a month. Sometimes it's hard. I have congestive heart failure and diabetes."
* "Right now we're near homeless. We've been staying at my cousin's apartment, sleeping on the floor or in the car." Mother with four children
* "Homeless. I could use the card to buy propane candles and batteries." age 51
* "I have only one part-time job washing dishes ... I'm having a hard time paying bills and buying food." Father, with wife and three children
* "I am on an organ transplant list, and am unemployed because of illness. I have two children, 11 and 12, and we have nothing for Christmas. Please help us!" father, age 37
* "Need a home and place to stay. Need food. I have a vehicle and a part-time job. Staying in my vehicle is too cold. I am on a housing assistance list. All shelters are full. God bless you and thank you for any help." age 53
* "I am a female vet living at a homeless shelter. At present I am unemployed and am looking for work. Thank you for considering me." age 52
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Last year our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of families in need, and this year we expect to be asked for help from far more.
Each day until Christmas, we will share with you the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.
Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.
Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 25th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards to Fred Meyer and to Super 1 Food Stores. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products.
To donate, please send a check to:
Press Christmas for All
201 Second St.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.
Recent donors include:
Richard & Susan Andrews; Anonymous; In loving memory of George & Margaret Bernius; Don & Jean Borley; Loretta Brueher; Stacy Carson; Elaine L. Cerny; W. & R. Crawford; Irene Cuff; Ray & Marcine Doyal; James & Joy Drechsel; Judith A Farrey; Judy Garber "In loving memory of Claud Garber"; John & Carla Hauer; F.N. & B.A. Henderson; V & H James; Nancy T. Ladyman; Bonnie Ann McDowell "In loving memory of my husband & son, George & Randy McDowell"; Charles & Betty McLain; Donald & Margaret Meiss; Ronald & Evelyn Muck; Gerald Reid; Barbara Richardson; Schedler Mack Insurance; Marcia Schneider & Robert Ferro; Ralph & Virginia Strouse; Tom & Sue Thilo; Norbert Twillmann; Herman & Gloria Ulvan; Shirley J. Wastweet; Roy & Kay Wellman; James & Diana Whaley; Marie H. Whitesel; David Whitman; W. Wray & Toni Wilson; Marilyn & Keith Wood; Jack & Helen Yuditsky; Anonymous; Idaho Community Foundation.