On the other side now
She used to help, but now this mom needs help herself.
When she was with her now-estranged husband, she could afford to work a few hours each week answering phones for a local nonprofit that helps the homeless.
She helped out as a volunteer at another nonprofit - one that helps victims of violence - while her daughter was in school.
"I love helping people, just trying to be a kind voice when they're going through just the worst stuff," the woman said. "I never thought I would need the same."
Things changed when her husband got involved with another woman and left the family.
"I don't get child support. I usually don't even know where he is," she said.
The hours she spent volunteering and working for minimum wage for the nonprofit now feel like a luxury, she said.
These days, she works for a few dollars more than minimum wage, as a receptionist for a local builder.
"I'm so glad I have this job, and they're good to me, but it's just not enough money for everything," the mom said.
Her daughter, now a teen, has a serious degenerative disease that requires regular trips to a specialist and hospital in Spokane. There are expensive medications and other items her child requires because of the condition.
"I've never asked for help like this before, but I want my daughter to have a little bit of fun for Christmas," she 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: Margie and Chuck Adams, in loving memory of our son Chuck Jr.; Norbert and Beverly Twillmann; Warren Keene; Cd'A School District No. 271 Transportation Department; Christine Maiani; Maj. Ret. David and Barbara Freeman; Delores Griffin; Barbara and Richard Baird; Joe and Elelmira Michels; John and Juanita Mason; Cathy and Fred Potter; Dennis and Mary Casey; James and Julie Mangan; Kenneth and Sherry Beno.