Car wreck, dad leaving strains family
The last few years have been financially and emotionally devastating for this mother and her two children.
"Christmas for All has been the only way me and my kids have been able to enjoy Christmas since my accident," the mom said.
The mom is unable to work due to injuries she received several years ago in a serious car wreck. Not long after she became disabled, her husband of 20 years abandoned the family and has never provided any support.
The mother and her children, now young adults, became homeless in 2012 when they lost their home to foreclosure. The family eventually moved into low-income housing. Although their financial situation remains bleak, the mother said there are things for which she is grateful.
"There has been a lot of emotional devastation and turmoil for my kids, but with prayers, they have kept their heads up and are enrolled full time at NIC in hopes for a better future, thanks to grants and God," the mother told Christmas for All.
The mom said she and her children share one vehicle she was able to purchase recently on Craigslist, using money she had saved to pay bills.
"It has a smashed side and transmission issues, but it gets us around," she said.
She said she's grateful to have the much-needed vehicle, but it has taken all her financial resources. The only way her family will have a holiday meal, she said, is through the generosity of people who give to Press Christmas for All.
"I just want to thank all the donors because I don't know if you donors really know how much you brighten my very often dark world," the mom said.
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: Donald and Mark Mitchell, in memory of Louise Mitchell; Jeffrey and Kathryn Harrison; Duane and Sharon Fitch; John and Carla Hauer; La Von Stuart; Katherine Hennigan; Cheryl and Lynn Humphreys; Larry and Patricia Bishop.