Family faces high bills
Things haven't been easy for this family for a while.
The mom of four reports that this past year has been the roughest so far.
"Our children haven't seen a month where the financial burden hasn't pushed their dad to tears," the mom wrote on her application for assistance.
This is the first time they've sought holiday help from Press Christmas for All.
The mother and her husband, the children's father, have been plagued by health issues during the last 12 months. A routine surgical procedure for the dad ended up landing the man in an intensive care unit. Complications and an additional hospitalization have run the family's medical bills into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The mom lost her job earlier this year and became ill herself, requiring several surgical procedures.
"We don't have money but we have lots of love," the mom told CFA.
In addition to trying to provide for their own children, two toddlers and two teens, the couple recently took in the wife's elderly grandmother who suffers from dementia.
The mom said she's asking for help this year so they can "see some smiles on Christmas morning."
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.
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, 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 also be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com
Recent donors: Joe & Barbara Absec (In Memory of Virginia Jones), Joseph & Barbara Rinaldi (In Memory of Virginia Jones), Scott & Nancy Kolo (In Memory of Virginia Jones), Denmar & June Gittel (In Memory of Virginia Jones), Joachim Wirth, Graham Crutchfield, Nome Polites, Opal Anderson, Raymond & Patricia Pollard, Joseph Dion Lt. Col USAF (RET), Marylou Dion, Steve Hill Trucking, Daryl & Karen Barnes, Tom & Nancy Burke, Marshall & Dolly Mend, Idaho PI Master Chapter, Richard & Shirlee Wandrocke, Donald & Charlotte Keane, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Clark & Grace Lusk.
Share your story
If you asked for help from Press Christmas for all this holiday season, you can help others by sharing your story. If you would like to talk to a reporter, send an email to christmasforall@cdapress.com