Woman struggles with illness while caring for grandson
<p>MAUREEN DOLAN/Press</p><p>Marilyn Hunt presents a donation for Press Christmas for All to Press employee Holly Fredericks. The gift to the holiday charity program is from Hunt and her husband, Robert Hunt. </p>
A woman in North Idaho has been taking care of her 7-year-old grandson alone for several years, but the past few have been a struggle for her as she copes with a debilitating illness.
As she has only been able to find a part-time job while caring for the young child in her custody, she has found herself overwhelmed with debt. She frequently has to part with personal items to make it through the month.
“I usually have to sell something in order to pay our bills,” she told Press Christmas for All.
She hopes things will improve for the two of them next year, but for now, she hopes Christmas for All can lend them a hand this season.
“If you could consider us, you would be lifting a great deal of worry off my shoulders,” she said. “Thank you so much.”
This is the 30th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.
Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child. The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is a common factor.
Through Christmas for All, these less fortunate neighbors feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d’Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
Online donations can be made by visiting http://bit.ly/ChristmasforAllDonations
Donations are also accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.
Recent donors: Esther Bourne; Jack Schnabl, In memory of Marjorie; Jeff & Sue Welch; Richard & Shirlee Wandrocke; Ron, Sandy, & Staci McCoy; Richard & Lois Nimtz, Richard & Vivienne Fedash; Jim and Pam Alexander; Roberta Manley, In memory of Oliver Manley; Paul & Lisa Ferguson; Carol Stott, Ray & Raynae, In honor of my Mother Ruth Capellen; Donald & Charlotte Keane; Pauline Wilson; William & Susan Sturgeon.