Medical bills grow, other expenses mount
This father said he would rather be donating to Christmas for All, but that's not possible this year.
He has been unable to work since becoming disabled three years ago. His wife is a full-time student finishing her final semester before earning a bachelor's degree. She works as much as possible, the dad said.
"We still have four kids at home and the pay she receives doesn't go very far," he told Press Christmas for All. "Most of our income goes toward rent alone."
He is scheduled to have another surgical procedure done after the holidays, and they are hopeful it will turn his health situation around. But in the meantime, there have been prescriptions to pay for and a large pile of medical bills that continues to grow.
"I feel horrible that I am unable to contribute to my family's needs," the dad said. "It feels awful as a father and husband."
The parents have explained to their children - ages 9 through 17 - that this Christmas is going to be "really small," and the father said the kids understand.
They all work hard, he said, to stay positive.
"We need to look at this challenging, sometimes scary time in our lives as only temporary. Things are going to get better. We know they have to," the father said. "My family will be so grateful for any kind of help from Christmas for All. I look forward to the time we can be on the giving side."
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 29th 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 include: Graham and Betsy Crutchfield; Joachim and Sandra Wirth.