Single dad providing for his two kids - one with special needs
Sometimes doing the smart thing it takes to turn your life around isn't the easy thing. As a matter of fact, it can be the one thing that seems almost impossible.
This single father is currently in the second year of a trades program at a local college. He expects to graduate at the end of spring semester. He also has full custody of his two children.
One of his young children has severe speech problems, which makes fatherhood even more difficult.
"We're working on learning to communicate with him by sign language," he said. "I took a course in it and it's working pretty good. Otherwise he can say about 50 words."
Between going to school full time five days a week and taking care of a special needs child, this father doesn't have much time for himself or for finding work.
"I used to drive truck - I was an over-the-road driver for almost 10 years and at one time I wanted to own a couple of trucks and have my own business. But then I got custody of my kids and I had to change my career and not be away from home all the time. Temp jobs weren't paying the bills and I realized I had to learn to do something that would support us all.
"I'm living at home now and it's working pretty well. I help my parents out and they help me."
One child goes to school half day and the other fulltime.
"I just want my kids to have a good Christmas. They need clothes, so that's a given. But I'd love to give them toys as well. When I get out of school, I want to get a good enough job that will provide a good enough future for my kids."
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: Jeremiah and Sally Donovan (In loving memory of Jeremiah and Bob Donovan), Robert and Catherine Picken, Dwayne and Anita Moore, Evalyn Adams, Paul and Lisa Ferguson, Steve Hill Trucking, Myrna and William Tarnasky, Ellen Milow, Richard and Carol Townsend, Charlene Halfhide.