Alone for the holiday weekend

It will be a lonely Christmas for this woman, a diabetic with schizophrenia.

She's 51, and lived with her father until he died two years ago.

The woman tried to make it on her own after her dad's death, but she couldn't afford to pay the rent on the house they lived in.

With help from a social service agency, she was able to move into a tiny apartment last year.

Alone, she had trouble managing her insulin and dietary needs. She also became severely depressed.

"I couldn't remember my medicines. I didn't always do it right. I had to call an ambulance," she told Press Christmas for All.

After being admitted to the hospital following a hypoglycemic episode, her mental health counselor suggested a group home.

Six months ago, she moved in with three other people who have disabilities. She said the living situation has been better for her because there are other people around.

But, no one will be there this holiday weekend.

"They have families. They go stay with them on Christmas Eve," she said.

The woman said she has no relatives and few friends.

Since her father died, she said she hasn't celebrated Christmas. She can't afford to do anything for herself, and receives no gifts from anyone.

Her physical and mental disabilities make it hard for her to hold down a job, she said. She receives a monthly Social Security check, but it doesn't go far.

"My counselor told me about Christmas for All. I did it because I could use food, or some heavy socks. That would be so nice," 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:

The Prouty Kids, Prodigy Capital Investment, George Smart, Dennis & Jennifer Staver, Maxine & Jack Mahony, Meribeth Nissen, Doug & Melanie Pickett, Dennis & Jacqueline Wheeler, Keith & Karon Brown, Robert Fraley, Jack & Cherie Shinn, Sandra Clovis, Earl & Ramona Genzberger, Tom & Sandy Ray, Bob & Julia Aho, Ralph Shay, In memory of William J. & Dorothy J. Morrow, Michael & Carol Clifford, S.E. & J.L. Burris, Runge Furniture, Paula & Robert Moore, Kerry & Kathy Domenichelli, Frank & Sheila O'Halloran, Paul & Bonnie D'Alessandro, Pat & Margaret White, Bill & Nancy Carlson, Jacqueline Sergeant, Bruce & Susan Wolford, In Memory of Dan Lackman, Jeff & Kate Harrison, In Memory of Cleve, Addies & Clayton Gaine, Anne & Buzz Halverson, Kelly Burke, Darrell & Anita Louks, Wally & Pam Adams, Brenda Dippel, Patty Humpherys & Mark Baxter, Robert & Margaret McCoy, In Memory of Debby Orne, Tom & Jamie Brown, Norma & Allen Baldridge; Gary & Joan Tolerico & Fairway Gas & Grocery, Dr. Cheri Bloom, Lawson Homes & Family; Brett, Brenna, Amy, Jeff & Diane, Lawrence & Margaret Greensides, James & Cynthia Hail, Jack & Jacquelyn Forest, Marjorie Jones & Beth Barclay, Mary & Gary Damiano, Midway Automotive Group.

Transtector comes through

The employees of Transtector Systems/Smiths Protection Technology Group dug deep into their pockets again this year to give to Press Christmas for All.

Workers at the Hayden-based company presented a $12,500 check Thursday to the holiday charity program.

"Christmas for All has a very special mission," said Colleen Krajack, Transtector's director of human services.

Krajack started working at Transtector 14 years ago, and the employees' annual drive for Christmas for All began about a year earlier.

Funds are raised several ways, Krajack said, through company raffles, bake sales and payroll deductions. Christmas for All meal specials are sometimes offered on the menu of the restaurant on the company's campus near the airport.

There are 153 employees based at the Hayden location, and another 233 who work at other sites.

Groups of employees are asked to host raffles, she said, and they are expected to donate the items. Televisions and a Kindle Fire were among some of the raffle prizes offered this year.

The employees choose to support Press Christmas for All because they know it makes a difference in people's lives, Krajack said.

"We also like to give to Christmas for All because it is completely administrative-free," Krajack said. "We know all the money goes to the people who need it, and everybody should have Christmas."