Family, health woes affect mom

Keeping her children warm and fed is this mom's greatest concern this holiday season.

Still, she knows her kids have toys and treats on their minds.

"This time of year is hard for me, because I can't do much for them," the mom told Press Christmas for All. "But it's been hard a lot the last couple years."

Despite a health condition that causes her physical pain, she's determined to make a better life for herself and her children, whose father isn't in the picture any longer.

"We got married young, and things changed. He went one way, and I went another, and I knew I didn't want him around our kids," she said.

Last spring, she pushed herself to earn a license to do nails, and she's slowly building a client following. When she's physically able, she also cleans houses to help pay bills.

"It's been a long, hard road these last couple years," she said. "But I know it will be better next year. Christmas won't be such a downer."

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: Coleman Engineering, Inc.; Brian and Margaret Hildahl; Knudtsen Chevrolet; Dallas and Marcia Dixon; Gerry Demaris; Richard and Susan Andrews; In memory of Jeff Ballinger; Sherri OConnor and Ron Rose; Vicki Cooper, in memory of Tom; Richard and Carla Browning; Michael Coopersmith; Ada May Foster; Doris M. and Norman L. Peterson; Gary and Sandra Sonnen; Clarence and Mary Helgeson; W. Jr. and R. Crawford; Adrian and Gertrude Bogers; Ray and Beverly Garland; Fern and Don Johnston; Keith and Valerie Peila; Richard Ness; Virginia La Fleur; Jefferson and K. Joey Grunden; Mikki and Dennis Stevens; Dalene Beck; Kathryn Boss; Kris Osborn; A. and S. Deerwester; Jacqueline Somerville; Red Hot Mamas; Jane Butts; Ronald and Paula Adams; Sandra and Rodney Green; BJ Bennett; Larry Williams.