Drug addiction affects family's Christmas

This mom said she looks at her son and wishes she could give him everything he wants from Santa.

She told Christmas for All that all she has to offer him is love and the basics: food and a safe home.

"I'm grateful for that, but he's amazing and he deserves more," she said. "He knows not to expect much for Christmas, and he's so good about it."

This year is particularly hard for her. Her hours were cut at her job at a local fast-food restaurant, so gifts and decorations aren't in the picture, she said.

"There's just no money for anything extra," the mom said.

She receives no child support from her son's father. Her ex-husband developed a drug problem, she said, when her son was very young. The boy's dad wasn't in their lives for many years.

Earlier this year, the father tried to return to the family. "He said he was clean and sober, and was getting his act together," the mom said. "I wanted to believe him."

It wasn't long before the dad relapsed, and she had to ask him to leave their home.

"I feel the worst for my son," the mom said. "I would love to be able to give him a Christmas, and I would be so, so thankful for any help to do that, anything at all."

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: Catherine Tinder; Jeremiah and Sally Donovan, in memory of Bob and Jeremiah Donovan; Rhoda and Clifford Schlehuber; Edward and Susan Leach;

Evelyn Adams; Paul and Lisa Ferguson; Audrey Schutz;

Lois Johnson, in memory of Bob and Virginia Paulos; Nancy Ladyman; Pauline Wilson; Kathryn and Victor Jr Eachon; Ned and Diane Tower.