Tough times since father abandoned family
This mother of two teens told Press Christmas for All that if her kids experience any Christmas joy this year, it will only be because of "the generous residents of Kootenai County."
It will also be "another tear-filled prayer answered," she said.
A year ago, her children's father, the woman's husband of nearly two decades, suddenly abandoned the family. He drained their bank account and left the area.
"He took everything," she said.
The mom was unable to keep up with the mortgage payments on the family's home, and she lost it to foreclosure. Homeless, she and her kids spent several weeks sleeping in a van.
The teens' father doesn't call them or send them anything, she said. It's been "emotionally wrenching" for them.
The mother and teens just got into low-income housing a few weeks ago, and moving in took every penny the mom had. She is on disability, unable to work due to injuries she suffered several years ago in a serious car crash. The check she receives each month is very small, she said.
They have no furniture in their new little home, not even a couch, but that will come, she said.
"God has answered my prayers and provided a safe roof over their heads just before the snowfall," the mom said. "I am trying my hardest every day, with tears falling, to pick up the pieces of my kids' hearts and put them back together for them. I just want to make them happy again, and let them know there's hope there."
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: Anonymous in memory of Bob Paulos, Elden & Pat Moore, Bruce & Marjorie Colwell, Charles Davis, Carolyn Mahoney, J & C Fernlund, Helen Herndon, Pauline Wilson, M. McElfresh, R. Richardson, Dorothy Baughman, Susan & John McGinnis, Kathryn Boss, E.C. Maitre, Gary & Sylvia Blakley, Ronald & Beverly Noble, Ronald & Tori Nicklas, Tim Bedal, Linda Miller, Paul & Patricia Barrett, Crag Adams, Kootenai Charities, Inc.
Take a turn
on the ice for CFA
Prepare to lace up and spread some holiday cheer.
KYRO (Kootenai Youth Recreation Organization) will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from an upcoming Sunday afternoon public skate session at Frontier Ice Arena to Press Christmas for All.
The skating fundraiser will take place from noon to 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 16, at the ice arena, 3525 W. Seltice Way, Coeur d'Alene. General admission is $5. Kids under 5 get in free. Skate rental is $2.