Mom, daughter need help

They have no money, but this mom is grateful she and her daughter are together this holiday season.

The mom is unable to work due to several chronic health conditions, some the result of injuries she suffered when an uninsured driver went through a red light and T-boned her vehicle.

As the woman's illnesses progressed, her marriage fell apart. When she moved out, her now ex-husband wouldn't allow her to take their daughter to Montana, where the couple met and the mom's family lives. She moved into a motor home so she could be near her child.

"My poor daughter. She's been through so much," the mom said.

The mom became sicker and sicker until she could no longer care for herself. She had to leave her daughter in Idaho and go stay with her family in Montana for a while, where the mom had to undergo several major surgeries.

As soon as she was well enough, the mother returned to Idaho and rented a small place for she and her child. Her family is helping her pay the rent, and she and her daughter are relying on food stamps to eat while she goes through the process of applying for disability income.

"I am very lucky to have such a beautiful daughter and loving family. My daughter and I would have more help if we lived in Montana with my family," the mom said.

She can't leave, under the terms of her divorce, unless she leaves her daughter behind. She said she won't do that.

The assistance she receives doesn't cover many of their basic needs, so there's nothing for Christmas.

"The help I received last year made it possible to have something for my daughter to open. Thank you for that," she said. "Christmas for All is a huge deal for us."

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: David Young; Corky & Judy Meyer; Paul & Marilyn Stanton; Tom & Sandy Ray; George & Karen Wells; Don & Grace Scales; Susan & Daryl Wilson; Kevin & Crystal Handlen; Elinor Diltz; Pay Dyke; Donald & Judy Schaffer; Helen Hanna; Todd & Patrice Cory; Kimberly & Kenneth Noble; Diane & John Nagel; Eric & Michelle Olson; Daniel & Sally Blair; Shelli & Robert Quant; Randy & Sheri Erickson; Rhodes Construction; Sandra Bloem; Evalyn Adams; Cliff & Darlene Lenz (In memory of Mary Catherine Greens); Patricia Bonney; Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Blake; Phillip & Mary Hayes; Ruth Gandy; Bob & Sally Mackenzie (In loving memory of Sylvia Spain, mother and grandmother); William & Sharon Carlson; Diane Partridge; Steve & Julie Latina; Lakers Inn Inc.

Kids step up for other kids

Hello Christmas for All. Our advanced 6th grade class at Canfield Middle School is doing a project called Act of Kindness. In this project we were supposed to pick a person, family or organization to donate our time into performing an act of kindness. We chose you because we feel that everyone deserves a present on Christmas.

We went around our neighborhood collecting donations for your cause, and ended up collecting a total of $52.75. We hope this goes towards helping the less fortunate during the holiday season.

ALEX MACKIMMIE

ZACH MACKIMMIE

JAKE SELF

Notes from our donors

Merry Christmas! Great editorial Dec. 14.

- Barbara Koczyk

You really do understand the meaning of Christmas. Thank you.

- Kathy and Bill Meeker

This is our Christmas shopping. We hope it helps. We are retired and don't buy many gifts.

- Avis and Sylvan Thompson