Mom fights back from homelessness
When the economy fell apart a few years ago, this little family slowly slipped into what the mother describes as "a year of hell."
While raising three young girls on her own, her work hours as a housekeeper became increasingly sparse.
"Everything just got so bad that we lost the car and then our home," she told Press Christmas for All.
They spent a year homeless, and during that time were unable to stay together.
"As of August, we are all back together in our own place," she said. "We still have very little, but we're slowly building it back. The best part is having my girls back home."
She has been working nearly the entire time, but now, during the winter months, the hours to work are waning again. Even so, she's hopeful. It looks like her checks will cover their rent and heating bills. But, there is nothing left for Christmas.
"Right now I don't even have enough extra to get us a Christmas tree," she said. "So with all that these girls have been through, I am asking for help to get them a few gifts."
She dreads the thought of them waking up Christmas morning to find that Santa left them nothing.
She said she knows there are many people in need right now, and she would love to be doing the helping rather than asking for it.
"Maybe next year we will be able to. It's just when you have kids you want them to feel that they are OK," she said.
If Press Christmas for All can help her provide some toys for her girls, she said she would be "forever grateful."
"Thank you for helping my girls believe that everything is OK, and that Santa put them on the good list," 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.
Each day until Christmas, we will share 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 26th 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 for Shopko and Super 1. 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.
Recent donors include:
Anonymous; Donald Thompson; Beverly & Jack Walker; George & Echo Schuon; F.D. & Daisy Bouchard; Reimer & Charlotte Von Sprecken; K. Ann Halbert; William & Carol McCarty; Craig Brumfield; R F Link; Gerry Demaris; William & Sharon Carlson; Thomas & Carol Saathoff; Julia & James Mangan; William & Susan Sturgeon; Wallace & Hope Connally; Steve & Julie Hudson; Doris Peterson; Richard & Vivian Fedash; Zach & Katie Bane; Berwyn & Kent Palmer
Notes from our donors
I wish this could be more. I've been homeless and hungry a few times in my life. I'm a little better off now and I try to remember my own hard times. Merry Christmas.
DONALD E. THOMPSON
Notes from the needy
God bless you all for all the help you have given me in the past. If I could afford a lottery ticket and won you would be first on my list!
S.P., age 66