Woman taking care of family
This daughter of a 95-year-old World War II veteran lost her job several months ago when her dad was hospitalized for several weeks in Spokane.
"We almost lost him," the woman told Press Christmas for All.
She was pregnant at the time, which made finding another job more challenging. She gave birth to her son in November and said she hopes to get back to work soon.
The loss of income has been compounded by the arrival of another family member she is now caring for, along with her ailing father.
"I'm taking care of my sister who is autistic and isn't able to work," the woman said.
Her sister moved to North Idaho to live with her, she said, after becoming homeless in New York.
She is helping her sister apply for SSI benefits for low-income individuals with disabilities, which should help the family make ends meet.
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: Brad Hagadone and Teresa Crowley; Mary Lou Teyler; Jean Donaldson; 1LT Hanson; Anonymous, in memory of Liz Mill; Ron Evans; Anna Marie Callaghan; Phyllis and Dale Holte, in loving memory of Ron and Rod; the Lucie J Maier Trust; Howie and Jennifer Stalwick, in honor of my late parents, Bill and Dena Stalwick; Elinor Diltz; Donald and Judy Schaffer; Anonymous; Anonymous; Harry and Ione Perry; Gary and Donna Monroe.