Couple tries to get by working three jobs
Between this mom and dad, they have three jobs and are still unable to make ends meet.
"I have two part-time jobs in retail," the mom said. "I sell at one and cashier at the other. If I'm really lucky, I can get 40 hours a week. I'm also in school full-time to get my BA in justice studies - what I want is to become is a lawyer.
"The problem is, I barely get to see my daughter and husband."
Her husband works at a restaurant earning minimum wage and a good week for him has been 25 hours. Last winter his work hours were cut back to 12 hours.
"We've been trying to play catch-up since then," the mom said. "My husband would love to have a good job, but honestly, even when he gets crappy jobs, we're grateful he has a job at all."
A good family Christmas, she said, would involve being able to pay all their bills and not be late on anything.
"I'd also like to have a little extra money to give my daughter a good Christmas and not have to worry whether this week we'll have enough for gas or food at the end of the month. Right about now, our bill for gas goes up through the roof and we can get a $60 jump.
"I feel really bad even asking for help from Christmas for All. I know there are people way worse off than we are and I'm grateful for what we do have. But it would be so much less stressful for us to have that extra little cushion for our child on Christmas Day. My husband and I don't care about anything except seeing her smile."
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.
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: Julia Wirth, Karin and Kyle Brown, Vern and Marje Peterson (In Loving Memory of grandson Dustin J.C. Peterson), Jacqueline F. Kleinjans, Rob and Jane Schippers, David and Debra English, J. Cecil and Kim Lewis, J.D. and C.M. Fernlund, Reimer O. Von and Charlotte E. Von Sprecken, Lois N. Johnson (In loving memory of Bob and Virginia Paulos).