College student trying to help brother

This young college student has a lot on her plate this holiday season.

She's 22, and while trying to earn an associate's degree at North Idaho College, she has also become responsible for her 15-year-old brother.

"We've never really known our father, and our mother has a lot of problems," she said.

When their mom was arrested and sent to jail a few months ago, the young woman decided to take her brother in.

"I moved out on my own a while ago. My place is small, but it's our home," she said. "It's hard, but I don't want him to go to a foster home."

She receives financial aid for school, and works part-time at a coffee stand. There isn't much left for food after the rent is paid, so brother and sister visit the food bank when they can.

Making sure her brother stays in school is a priority, she said. This holiday season, their first alone together, has been difficult for her.

"He's still a kid, and I have no money for Christmas," she said. "I feel so bad."

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:

Bunco Babes, Post Falls; The Welcomers; Carolyn Rose, in loving memory of Howard Rose; Dave & Kathy Kuntz; Susan & Richard Andrews; Gavin Young & Linda Sakai; AJ Hughan; Norm Burt, in loving memory of wife Elsie Burt; Rosemary McGrath; David & Barbara Freeman; Don & Grace Scales; Richard & Victoria Juhlin; Robert & Gloria Vachon; Delbert & Delores Doeding; Douglas & Debbie Magnuson; Ronald & Joanne Smith; Jeannette Hill; James & Marti Stow; Carol Taylor; William & Patricia Swann; Marshall & Pamilia Meyer; Beth & Danny Davis; Mary Ann Mathews; Bonnie Ann McDowell, in loving memory of husband George, & son Randy; Dean & Sharon Lundblad; Nancy Decker; George & Carol Vasiloff; Duane & Sharon Fitch; Jacqueline Somerville; Elaine Hatfield; Shirley Derrickson; Samuel & Genevieve Hibbard; Marc & Holly Puga; Marcia Ogle; Robert & Susan Colvin; Cathy & Denny Keim; Steve & Julie Latina; The Kiwanis Club, Inc.; NIC Booster Club/NIC Wrestlers.