Family dealing with mom's death
His voice is quiet. His speech is slow and deliberate. He sounds like someone who is mourning.
"My wife died a few years ago," this father said. "I still miss her so terribly."
The past couple of years have been a struggle for him and his young children.
"Just having to worry about taking care of three kids on my own... it's not easy. I'm trying to make sure they're happy and fed and clothed and all that. I've completely put myself on the back burner in taking care of them and people tell me that that's not a good thing to do."
Finding employment has also been hard for him since losing his job.
"Basically I'm looking for a job right now. Actually, I desperately need a job. Any kind.
"I worked as head chef at a local restaurant for several years and that kind of work is OK. I'm a good cook. I learned from doing different jobs and from just feeding myself growing up.
"I did go to school for environmental science - stuff like forestry - and I kind of like working outside. I need about 15 credits to finish up, but I've pretty much got my hands full with my family now.
"I really don't know how we're making it. I'd just have to say, 'day by day.'"
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: James and Barbara Browne, Raymond Fischer, Richard and Lois Nimtz, Ronald and Paula Adams, Janet and Sidney Lundwall, Clifford and Sharon Harris, I. S. Graetzer, Paine Hamblen, Anonymous, Dorris Peterson, Edith Keller, Gary Russell, Bruce Noble, Elizabeth Barrett, Nancy Mertz, James Westerberg, Andrew and Jean Hjort, Johnny and Christine Powell, Scott McNee, Linda Platts, Allen Baldridge, Norma Baldridge, Larry Tanzer, Mark Stalwick, Leslie Gourley, Mark Brown, Travis Jones, Virginia Westhafer, Judy Hirschkorn, Mike Van Cheri, Carol Albertson, Lauren Cuvala, Clinton Ilenstine, Don and Fern Johnston, Janice D'Arc, Don Hacklander, Kevin Chang (In Loving Memory of Marilynn Sachtleben), Charles and Mary Adams (In loving memory of our son Chuck Jr.), Tim and Kathryn Hunt, The Shopko Foundation, Steve Bell, Deborah Dickinson (In loving memory of Jim Dickinson), Michel Pentony, Annmarie Rod, Anonymous, Mark and Marlo Faulkner, TR and Connie Williams, Sheila Gray,Larry and Patricia Bishop, Preferred Card Services Inc., John and Betsy McTear, Anonymous, The Kiwanis Club, Inc.
• Notes from our donors
We are enclosing a donation to help the Christmas families. Thank you so much for reaching out to our community in this way. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to helping others. We prefer to donate anonymously.
T.N.F.
Although my donation is small, I believe no amount is insignificant. If everyone gave a little, the accumulation may surpass your goal. Merry Christmas!
GERRY DEMARIS