Family 'living on a wing and a prayer'
They were far from rich, but they were getting by.
Things changed for this family when the construction industry took its hit from the recession, and the dad lost his job as a roofer. That was more than a year ago.
"It was a good paying profitable job. We were secure in that," said the mother in this family of four.
Now they are "living on a wing and a prayer," she said.
The mom isn't working, although like so many others out there, she would like to be.
The couple's young children have special needs, so the mom put her career in the human services field on hold several years ago to stay home and care for them.
Their 9-year-old has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and requires a lot of help when it comes to school. Their 4-year-old has epilepsy and seizures.
The mom tells Press Christmas for All she has been applying for work everywhere with no results.
Unemployment was not extended for her husband, so while the couple look for jobs, there is no income coming into their home. They don't have the money to make their mortgage payment.
"We really do believe in Santa Claus, like our kids, because without programs like this there would be no Christmas at our house," the mom said. "We thank you, Press Christmas for All, for being our kids' Santa Claus."
She hopes and prays that next year she and her husband will be able to return the favor.
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:
John and Mary Beth Dixon; Sandy & Fred Ambrose; American Legion Auxiliary Unit No.14; V. L. & Richard Anderson; Anonymous "In memory of Virginia Jones"; Brett & Martha Armitage; Phillip & Patricia Backer; Doris Bartlett; Deedie Beard; Dalene Beck; Alan Linwood Benson; Joan Benson "In loving memory of my husband Bob"; Dorothy Bentz; Edith Bishop; M & N Blakely; Harvey Boeck; Rebecca & Eugene Bowen; Raymond & Barbara Bradley; Edith Brehm "In loving memory of my husband Daniel Brehm"; Jane & Bill Brooks; James & Barbara Browne; Fran & William Burgess; Tom & Nancy Burke; Lohman Catron; Cd'A Eagles Aerie 486; Dean & Gladys Cody; Wilma R. Cole; Robert & Linda Crawford; Deitz Family; Stan & Genie DeLong "In memory of our daughter, Lakewood City Police Officer, Tina DeLong Griswold "Eternally on Watch" 11/29/09"; Martha Dorage; Harold Eakes; Duchess Tomson Emerson; Anonymous; Leland & Lyndell Erwin.