A touching story of need in every request
The thousands of Kootenai County individuals who have already asked for holiday help from Press Christmas for All this year each have a story of need.
They tell us why they are asking for holiday assistance on their applications. Some stories are long; others very short.
Their own words often tell it best.
• "I use most of my social security check to stay warm and my water keeps freezing ... I don't have enough to eat." - Woman, 49, disabled and living alone in a motor home
• "Homeless veteran. Could use help to stay warm with propane canisters and candles." - Man, 53
• "Widowed, disabled grandma raising mentally disabled grandson. Very low income." - Woman, 60
• "Living in a houseboat." - Father of five kids, age 15 and under
• "We really need help. The kids are sleeping on the floor of this little trailer." - Mother of three children, age 10 and under
• "I feel very forgotten," - Man, 52, with little income, mental health issues and no family
• "Our house was foreclosed on. We have been homeless and living with friends." - Father of family of four
• "After my husband passed away last year, I learned that I had cancer ... I've never in my life not been able to take care of myself." - Woman, 61
• "I don't have enough money to eat after bills. Plus, I'm hungry." - Woman, 73
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:
Milton & Donna Stafford; Roy & Kay Wellman; Anonymous; The Delberts; Edith Keller; Arnold & Linda Pedersen; John & Gladys Aresvik; Earl Stam; Anonymous; Norb & Bev Twillmann.