'Run of bad luck' affects family of five

This family of five was evicted from their home two months ago when their landlord sold the property they were renting.

"We've had a run of bad luck," the mom told Christmas for All.

Without enough money to afford a new place, they moved in with the father of the family's sister and her three children. With both families under one roof, there are nine people living in a three-bedroom mobile home.

The family's situation became more uncertain when, a few weeks after they lost their home, the husband lost his job.

"So we have been relying on scrap metal to pay bills," the mother said.

Then, the day after Thanksgiving, the family was in a car wreck.

"...that totaled our van and only means of transporting scrap metal," 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: Steve and Connie Wesson, in memory of Robert and Virginia Cox; David and Karen Crouse; Tim and Kathryn Hunt; Marty and Mike Denham; Anonymous

Raymond Fischer; Dean and Judy Strepp; V. Maxine Boyd and Virginia Wakkinen; Helen Herndon; Douglas and Christa Elli; Nickie Odenthal; Judith Cady and Wendell Gardipe, in memory of Joseph; Eloise Swanson; Cynthia Samms; Steve and Janice Burris, in memory of Gary Ratcliff, who did not want to think of a child or family doing without Christmas; David Carneiro; Mari and Craig Walker; Edwin Dennis Oakland; Paul and Virginia Westhafer; Frederick and Frances Martin; Mary Ann and James Landers; Geraldine Gibbs; Jim Garron; Mae Grace; Thomas and Sally Stuber; Marilyn Eaves; Lorna Wasson; Lucille and Del Bradshaw; Leoni, John and Frank Wilkinson.