Mom appreciates a helping hand

This single mother of two lost her job of 10 years almost a year ago.

“At the time, my husband was still living with us and we knew we were going to have to rely on his income. But all the stress of not being able to pay our bills and always being behind on everything didn’t do much to help the marriage.

"He left, and I ended up getting evicted and my car was repossessed. I sold everything I could to make money — we had a lot of yard sales and my children had to make a lot of sacrifices.”

With nowhere to go, this mother was able to find housing in a friend’s two-room garage.

“We’re definitely thankful, but it can be trying at times. We have electricity and things, for instance, but space is tight and my children and I all sleep together.”

One of her children suffers from a joint disease and faces the need to go to Seattle or Portland for the specialized care required for her illness.

Recently this mom was able to obtain a position working for a financial institution.

“I’m only guaranteed 20 hours, but my foot’s in the door, and I’m hoping for bigger and better things in the future. My kids are as excited about my job as I am. I’m happier and that makes them happier.”

She is able to get to work because a distant relative was willing to let her have her older car for $300 and then allow her to make payments on it.

“She made a huge sacrifice giving that to me and I really appreciate it,” the mother said.

She is grateful to all the people who have given her a helping hand during this tough year.

“My kids are the best. They’re very appreciative for everything we have and are able to do togeth-er as a family.”

• 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 thou-sands 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 retail-ers 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: Genevieve Shaver, Silda Pollard, L. and F. Grutta, Adrian and Gertrude Bogers, Sandra Caron, Luther and Stella Gutz, Jerrell, Dawn and Christopher Hayes, Mary and Doug Baker, Robert and Anita Banta, Eleanor Smith, Kathy Montgomery (In honor of Margie and Bill Giesa), Linda Nelson, John and Carla Hauer, Phyllis and Roy Turk, Catherine Tinder, Myles and Phyllis Anderson.