Mom, kids grieving loss of husband, father

This mom and kids are going to be spending Christmas feeling the loss of their husband and father.

The dad died last spring, from a sudden heart attack.

"He was working in the yard and I looked out the window. He was on the grass, just laying there," the mom said, her voice breaking.

Before the man's death, he had been unemployed for about six months. The family's finances were already depleted because the mom was being treated for breast cancer and was unable to work until recently.

"I'm just grateful I have a job to go back to, but it's hard making ends meet on my own," she said.

While grieving for their father, and worrying about their mom's health, the couple's teen sons have done without a lot of things, the mother said.

"They haven't complained, and they've been a real help," she said. "I just want to see them smile on Christmas. That's going to be a hard day 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: Gary Jacquart; Tom Farrell; Arlene Anderson; Chris Weber; Allen Fulleton; Meghann Maiani; Richard Green; Sherri Patton; Mike Sheldahl; Rachel Irish; Jim Spurr; Don Hacklander; Gail Thompson; John and Betsy McTear; Sheila Lang; Tom Vietri; Jeanie Clemons; Peggy Cedros; Patricia A Dell; Glenda Eachus; Vicki Starr; Sharon Keating; Dianne Ansbaugh; Linda F Koehler; Kathie Wilcox; Stefan Schwaab; Janice Burris; Debbie Montgomery; Kris Yeoumans; Kootenai Youth Recreation Organization; Anonymous; Kootenai County Fire & Rescue; Judy Brizendine; Terry & Kent Anderson; August Mack & Joni Schomer; David Stone; Saunders Cable Inc.; Employees of Smiths Protection Technology/Transtector Systems; Fighting Creek Smoke Shop #2.

Notes from our donors

Thank you for putting together a program to help those who are struggling. I never thought I would be in that position but years ago I was penniless, had a broken arm and was sleeping on the floor of my dreary apartment in cold Anchorage, Alaska. I wouldn't tell my children because I was too prideful. But there were those who found out about my plight and bought me a new bed and a basketful of groceries.

As a Christian I have learned while times can be terrible, God uses circumstances to show his love for us by providing for us in ways we cannot imagine. After all, God sent us his greatest gift, his son Jesus, to be our Savior. That is why I celebrate Christmas.

- Patricia Bonney

I wish all of you at The Press a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

I just read that Christmas for All is in its 27th year. The community is very fortunate to have you and all those involved.

- Faye Shankle

I am going through a rough patch right now (heart problems, no help from doctors). Fortunately, by living a frugal life, I have enough money for my needs and a roof over my head.

Your stories from those in need touch me deeply. No one, especially with little children, should live homeless and hungry.

I hope my donation can bring a little joy to some less fortunate than I.

- Nancy Wright