Family burdened by blizzard of troubles

As the holiday season unfolds, this mother of two tells Press Christmas for All, "We are in a really bad place right now."

Her husband lost his job nearly two years ago, they lost their home, and he became severely depressed.

"I'm trying to hold it together and work, but I can only work part time because both of our kids have disabilities, and they require extra care," she wrote on her application for holiday help.

Her husband has been looking for work, but due to his depression, he's not functioning well, she said.

Their children are 7 and 10, and her wish is for some help brightening the holiday for them during this difficult time in their lives.

"Thank you for having this program. Bless you," she wrote.

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:

Anonymous; Edward & Susan Leach; Elizabeth A. Lee "In honor of Mike & Jill Kincaid"; James & Susan Lee; Norma Lindsay "In memory of my dear mother, Stella"; Joan Luce; K. Giesa Montgomery "In memory of Margie & Bill Giesa"; Larry & Sherry Mundt; Fern Anderson Nell & Virgil Anderson; Nolan Family; Harry & Ione Perry; Don Pischner; Donald & Arlene Sausser; Donald & Maxine Schierman; Donna Sijan; Milton & Donna Stafford; Jack & Gail Thompson; Thomas & Judith Townsend; Barbara & M.J. Vigue; Pat & Margaret White; Larry & Bobbie Wolf;

Anonymous; Kathryn Hunt.