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Struggling parents of three seek little miracle

| December 11, 2010 8:00 PM

With their three children, this couple is living in a 28-foot fifth wheel trailer.

The dad was laid off, and the mom's small salary is all they have to live on.

She knows she can't give her kids what they want more than anything - a house.

"I'm trying my best, but it makes me feel bad that it's not enough," she told Press Christmas for All. "Please help me just give them something this year."

Paying their bills is a challenge, and the few extra dollars they've tried to save for a few holiday treats have had to be spent on repairs to the trailer.

"The hot water heater is out right now, and we just got the propane heater fixed," 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 Kootenai County families in need. This year, according to the final tally, about 9,500 individuals have requested help.

Each day until Christmas, we will share with you the stories of a few 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 501 (c) 3 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:

Fred & Kathy Albi; Joe & Tina Bates; Larry & Patricia Bishop; Adrian & Gertrude Bogers; Anonymous; Craig & Connie Burkhart; Stanley & Sue Bunn; Ray & Betty Capaul "In memory of Debbie Copstead & Connie (Sherman) Larison"; Joe & Diane Dahlheim; Beverly & Jack Delavan; Philip & Mary Dolan; Jeanie Donaldson; Sandy & Jeanne Emerson.