Mom having tough time
This mother of four is trying desperately to pull her family through another holiday season.
Things have been difficult for the family since her children's father abandoned them when the mom was pregnant with her youngest, a 4-year-old.
She told Press Christmas for All she has been working full-time and going to school for several years.
Higher utility bills this winter are putting an extra strain on the woman and her children.
"A couple of weeks ago I started a second part-time night job when our heat was turned off," she said.
Their water was turned off a week earlier.
Her oldest daughter, 18, helps sit for the younger children while the mom is at work or school.
"I do not receive child support for my three youngest children," 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:
Anonymous; James & Nancy Barney; Camille Beebe; Shirley & Paul Binfield; K.D. Blakeney; Alfred & Dixie Braun; Jeff Connaway; June Everson; The Fields Family "In memory of Ryan Reinhardt"; Dale & Pamela Fitzgerald; Faith Franck; Maj. Ret. David & Bobbi Freeman; Friend from Montana; Steven & Carol Green; Robert & Helen Hall; Anonymous; Carol Hargrave; Thomas & Lynn Hauer; Phyllis & Dale Holte "In memory of our two sons, Ron & Rod"; Barbara Hudson; Virginia Jones; Lakers Inn Inc.; Laureate Eta Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; Christine Maiani "In memory of David Maiani"; Joyce Mangan; William & Carol McCarty; Marla & Jack McDonald; Richard & Lois Nimtz; Anonymous; Richard Ohneus "in memory of my father James R. Ohnemus"; Ken & Ruby Olsen; Katherine Phillips; Gary Regele; Harry & Donna Robertson; Ronald & Mary Sears; the Sims Family; Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran LWML; Maj & Justin Stormogipson; Karen Tittelfitz; William & Gloria Vonberg; Jesse, Sue & Jeff Welch; The Welcomers; Michael & Deborah White; John & Leoni Wilkinson; Theodore & Darlene Willhite; William & Kris Wood; Bobby & Nancy Smith.