Families in need share their stories
The thousands of Kootenai County individuals and families who ask for help from Press Christmas for All each have their own stories of need.
We ask them, when they apply, to tell us why they are seeking holiday assistance.
Their own words often tell their stories best:
"We are a senior couple living on Social Security and disability. Very low income. By the last two weeks of the month we are out of money and food. We rely on food banks. We have nothing for Christmas every year. Food would be greatly appreciated."
- Husband and wife, in their 70s
"Mom relapsed after eight years clean (meth) and left us. She overdrew the bank account by $2,000 and left all the household bills several months behind. She had been the primary income-earner and has not helped since August."
- Father of four, 9 to 17
"We got kicked out of our old house and we became homeless and were in St. Vincent de Paul's help housing."
- 13-year-old boy and his father
"I am a senior and I live on $417 per month. I rent a room from a friend, and am currently disabled as well. It's been hard to buy anything personal."
- Single woman, 63
"My two kids and I have found a place with friends after their dad has left us and has left the state. We have been living in a camper last few weeks but couldn't anymore because of the weather and things were freezing. So we are with friends. I'm trying to save for a deposit and first month's rent to be on our own, so to do that, my kids won't be getting a Christmas because a place of our own is more important to us."
- Mother and kids, 8 and 14
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: Vicki and Chris Miller; Don and Cindy Scharenberg; Richard and Nona Barclay; Joe and Dana Allen; Thomas and Stephanie Koennelf; Lucille and John Smith; John and Catherine Romantic; Lake Country Friends of the NRA; Randy Haddock; Jim and Grace Rebal; Brenda Dippel; Lynn Jackson, in memory of Glenn R. Jackson; Anonymous; Walter and Geraldine Perkins; Donna and Charles Walker; William and Carol McCarty; Frank and Betty Henderson; Betty Kammeyer; Ardith Ommundson; Donald and Margaret Meiss; Randy and Deidre Sindelar; Craig and Connie Burkhart; Francis and Laura Augusta; Beverly Payne; Robert and Robin Metheny; WA and CF Delyea; Katherine Phillips; Edith Brehm, in loving memory of my husband Daniel; Opal Anderson; Barbara and M.J. Vigue; Dale Curley; C.G. Ilenstine; Bob and Dorothy Yohe; R.Z. and M.L. Montoya; The McNees; Dick and Deb Christopherson; Thomas and Kristi Sharbono; Mrs. Robert A Johnson, Mrs. LM Johnson and Sue Stiner, in memory of Robert Johnson; Raymond and Betty Stone; Doug and Mary Somers; Edith Bishop; Bill and Jean Sage; Jean Sage; Rhoda and Clifford Schlehuber; Jean Jackson; Robert and Barbara Lee, in memory of Mike Smith and John Lee; Steven and Marilyn Griffitts; Vicki Moffat; Carol and Walter Sorenson; T.D. and S.M. Robinson; Marjorie Colwell; Sheila Gray; Jamie Danish; Ann Marie and Douglas Rod; Gerri Hartford, in memory of Roy Hartford; Ken and Dee Dee Koep; Johnny and Christine Powell; Olsheski and Wise; Stefan Schwaab; The McNee Family; Larry Running; Anonymous; Steve and Peg Cedros; DA Davidson; Fraternal Order of Eagles Association; J K and Sandra Matheney; Barstow Foundation; Cancer Community Charities; Michael and Susan Delles; Donald Smock; Lakers Inn; Glen and Lisa Huscroft; Richard and Susan Jones.