Resilient mom carries on through adversity

It has been more than a year since this mom, sole provider for two children, lost her job of seven years.

Since then, she has used up every resource she had to hang onto their home and vehicle - cashed out a small 401(k), cleared out her small savings account, and used her tax refund.

She has only been able to find temporary work, and now receives a very small amount from unemployment that is the family's only source of income.

Things became even more difficult and tragic for this mom earlier this year when her sister took her own life.

In addition to caring for her own kids - one child with autism, and another with bipolar disorder - the mom has taken her sister's young son in and become his guardian.

"Even so, with all the trials in this season in our life, we are grateful. We have been able to keep our home and our car," she said. "I am thankful for your program that despite the times, may help provide a Christmas that I cannot. I, humbly, thank you."

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've been asked to help far more. We can't do it without you.

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 Fred Meyer and to Super 1 Food Stores. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

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.