Single mom helps others despite own woes
Despite several years of hardships, this mother of two says she still feels blessed.
At the height of the Great Recession in 2009, she was laid off from a decent-paying job she’d had for several years. With the job loss went her health insurance and her savings. Not long after that, she lost a sister to suicide and took two of her sibling’s six children in to live with her for several years.
Now, she’s dealing with a personal health issue, a heart condition that may require surgery, and no health insurance.
“As a single mother with two special needs children of my own, and the compilation of the years of circumstances, it has broken us financially, including a recent bankruptcy,” the mom said. “Still I remain blessed, as we were able to remain in our home.”
She told Press Christmas for All that because she held onto her house, she was able to help a friend who became homeless, and give the woman and her daughter a place to live.
“God has blessed us the ability to offer the same to multiple other families in the past,” she said.
Making the mortgage payment and keeping up with the winter heating bills and car repairs are a struggle, but a priority.
“Christmas presents are not a possibility, and it is us now who humbly ask for help as we experience yet another transition in our lives,” she said.
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 be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com
Recent donors: Roger & B.A Spencer, Audrey Schutz, Rose Breckenridge, Larry & Alice Adams, Dale & Tory Worley, Evalyn Adams, Donald Ortha Thomason (in memory of Virginia Jones), Donald & Donna Bresemann, Paul & Lisa Ferguson.