Gambling problem leads to massive debt
This father of two said he feels like he's on a sinking ship.
He told Christmas for All that his wife left the family last year, after plundering their bank accounts, and plunging the family into massive debt.
"She was gambling, going to all different casinos," the husband said. "I had no idea. She's a nurse. I thought she was working."
He said he hopes his wife will deal with her problem, get some help and come back into their lives.
"To at least have a relationship with our girls," the dad said.
But in the meantime, he's trying to put the financial pieces of his life back together while caring for his daughters on his own.
He lost a good-paying job a few months ago, when his wife first left, because he had to cut back his hours to care for his children.
"I'm working again, but it's not nearly what I was making before. Our rent's behind. I don't know how I'm going to do Christmas for my girls," the dad said. "They are so good, and they miss their mom."
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: North Idaho Unitarian Universalists, in memory of Steve Hancock, Jon Kosty, Margie Nordstrom; North Idaho Unitarian Universalists in memory of Maj Stormogipson, Joan Gurdloch, Jim Ball and Bob Brown; Diana and James Whaley; Ron Sandy and Staci McCoy; Parker and Kay Woodall; Sharon Sweetman and Eric Neese; Patricia Weeks; David and Patricia Hoskins; Janice D'Arc; David and Elsie Casteel; Bradley Stoddard; Jerry and Sylvia Stearns.