Mom doesn't want to ask for help
This mother tells Press Christmas for All she wishes her family's finances were in better shape, that she didn't have to ask for help.
She and her husband are both disabled, and rely on small disability checks to pay the bills. As the holiday season unfolds, the mom and dad are supporting three of their children. Two of their kids are disabled, one an adult, the other a teen. Another son living with them was medically discharged from the Army. He just found a job and is working to get back on his feet.
"I have another son in the Army getting ready to deploy for the third time," the mom told Christmas for All. "I would like to send him a care package, but I can't afford to."
She said she's trying to find part-time work she can do with her disability, and has put in employment applications.
"My husband was donating plasma, but had to have shoulder surgery so he is not able to do that right now for extra cash," she said.
She said she's thankful for the help she has received in the past from Christmas for All. It has made the holidays a more cheerful time for her family a few times since she and her husband's health began to fail.
"Even if for some reason you can't help us this year, I am still very grateful for all that you do," 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: F & Alice Henderson; Steve Hudson; Jessica Manson; Al & Robin Near; Carol Roff; Jack Schnabl; Gary & Sandra Mamola (In memory of Merle Hatleberg for giving me courage to begin the St. Pius Soup Kitchen 25 years ago); Diane Legerski; Michael Zagar; Marilyn Freeman; Ellen & William Brown (In memory of Betty & Charle "Moe" McLain); Robert Fraley, Bill & Donna Armbruster (In loving honor & memory of our grandson Tyler William Cordle); Bob & Darlene Sandau; Rosemary Fuller; Gwen Letson; Georgann Folk (In memory of husband Earl Folk); George & Sally Helms; Julia & James Mangan; Coeurly Q's Square Dance Club; Diana & James & Chad Whaley; James & Barbara Browne; Barbara Hudson; James & Nancy Barney; Jack and Jacquelyn Forest.
Tell 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'd like to talk to a reporter, send an email to christmasforall@cdapress.com