Mom working as hard as she can for her family
This mom's administrative position was downgraded when her employer encountered heavy financial losses. She is the sole provider for a family of six.
"This is the first time I have ever needed help, but my position at work is no longer available," she said. "Essentially I got demoted. I lost my title, my pay and my three-and-a-half years of tenure. I'm not making much money now and I pretty much have to start over."
Her husband has been unemployed for several years and has run out of unemployment insurance. He is currently unable to find work. In the past, he worked in construction.
"So I'm the breadwinner now," the mom said. "I have four little ones under the age of seven and my youngest is just a baby. We're hopeful that after the first of the year my husband can find a job. We're praying hard for that."
She's also hopeful about her own job, since she has been told that if she stays with her old company and circumstances there improve, she'll be able to work her way back up again into her former position.
"Yes, I guess I'm a little down now, but I just know things will get better," she said. "The demotion part really hit me hard because I was so good at what I did - I had been told that by my supervisors. But I'm hoping that with what I know I'll be able to move back up once the company starts growing again.
"I'd really love for my family to get some of the things they want this Christmas like warm clothes. I don't want my kids to see our struggles. I want them to see I can provide for them. I want them to know I'm working as hard as I can for them.
"Making sure my family's happy - that's the biggest thing in the world for me."
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 28th 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 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.
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Recent donors: D.M. Clark, Sandra and Ronald McCoy, J.B. and Dorothy A. Benoit, Jerome Pollos Photography