Grandma's grief is compounded

Her husband died three weeks ago, and this grandmother's grief has been compounded by financial hardship and stress.

"He was our main source of income to pay monthly bills," she said.

Her own unemployment runs out this week, just three weeks before Christmas, and her home is full with family members who need her help.

Her son left his little girl with her to raise while he is deployed to Iraq, and her daughter's family recently became homeless and moved in with her as well.

She doesn't want anything for herself this holiday season.

"I just want to give my grandchildren something under the tree," she said.

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 Shopko 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:

Douglas & Eileen Cresswell; Kenneth & Frances Curtis; A & S Deerwester; Deborah Dickinson "In loving memory of Jim Dickinson"; Arthur & Nancy Flagan; Geraldine Gibbs; June Gilseth; Raymond J. Gotz; Anonymous; Marcia Helton; Steve & Julie Hudson; Sherry & Dennis Irish; Terry & Dr. Ellen Jaeger; Marion Keating; Larry & Paularianne Kmetz; Thomas & Stephanie Koennel; James & Mary Lou Kopf.