A turn for the worse in a hurry for this family
Things were starting to turn around for this family, after a few financially challenging years.
"Christmas has always been a time of year that we enjoy and of course our children love. This year we thought that we would be OK because we both had jobs," the mom told Press Christmas for All.
In September, that changed, almost overnight.
The father was seriously injured in a car wreck. A day later, the mother found out her employer had lost a major contract, the one that funded her salary. She lost her job.
"It would have been one thing, if I had just been laid off, but it definitely feels like we're being tested," she said.
Things became even more difficult in October when the mom tried to donate a kidney to her younger sister, who is dying. The mother went to Seattle for two days of testing, and the medical staff discovered she has kidney disease.
"They told me they'd let me know in five days, but it was so serious they called me the next day," she said. "People tell me I should be grateful they caught it, but I'm upset because I can't give my sister a kidney."
Now there are kidney specialist appointments and new prescriptions to pay for with few resources.
She collected unemployment until it ran out this week.
"It was just $119 a week, but it was something," she said.
The family's financial situation has become increasingly dire. They're 30 days past due on their mortgage, and they've begun receiving shut-off notices for their utilities. They were able to access community resources to continue receiving power and water, something the mom said she's "truly thankful" for. The couple is no longer stressed about how to feed their children; they've started receiving food stamps.
"I am thankful for my family and all the emotional support," she said. "I am so happy that I have children that understand, even my little ones. But they shouldn't have to be understanding about things that we should be able to provide for them to keep them warm."
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County 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 27th 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, with assistance from North Idaho College employee volunteers, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards from Shopko or Super 1 Foods, local retailers who also generously support the program. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.
To give, 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.
Donations can be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com
Recent donors: Ronald and Toni Clundt; Joan Luce; Larry and Bobbie Wolf; W. & Antoinette Wilson; Schedler-Mack Insurance; Donald and Arlene Sausser; Sue & Tom Thilo (in memory of Marie Whitesel); Janice D'Arc; Anne and Frederick Kindler; Duchess Emerson; Akers Logging, Inc.