All have their special stories of need
The thousands of Kootenai County individuals and families who ask for help from Press Christmas for All each have their own stories of need.
We ask them, when they apply, to tell us why they are asking for holiday assistance.
Some write long answers; others keep it very short. Their own words often tell their stories best.
- "I have no heat...if I can get my disabled husband something for Christmas, it would be a godsend." - Woman, 63
- "I am mentally ill and alone all the time." - Man, 43
- "My daughter passed away and we are taking care of our grandchildren. It is a very difficult time and we simply can't afford it." - Woman, 52
- "I am 98 years old and living below income level. I live alone." - Woman
- "I'm diabetic. I run out of food before the end of the month." - Woman, 66
- "It's so hard when your kids are so excited for Christmas and in the spirit of things, and you know in your heart it's going to be the worst ever. - Mother of two, college student, 34
- "We are elderly and on a fixed income. We want to be able to buy food." - Husband, 89; wife, 87
- "I'm living in a domestic violence shelter with my 6-month-old son." - Woman, 28
- "Living in a fifth-wheel trailer with our three kids. Our friend lets us park it in her yard. The roof is starting to leak." - Woman, 33
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: Paul and Sandra Hall; Linnea Johnston; Doris and Norm Peterson; Laurence Pancoast; Anonymous; Charles and Marialyce Miller; Esther Alme (in loving memory of Ebert)
Deadline nears
- The deadline to ask for help from Press Christmas for All 2012 is fast approaching. Applications must be filed in person or online by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
No late applications will be accepted this year, under any circumstances.
To fill out an application, stop by The Coeur d'Alene Press, 201 Second Street, Coeur d'Alene; or Post Falls City Hall, Parks and Rec Dept., 408 Spokane Street, Post Falls. Both locations are open Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Applications can also be filed online: christmasforallcda.com