Car troubles and illness complicate family's Christmas
A couple with two children on the autism spectrum are dealing with health problems of their own this Christmas.
The husband is no longer working full-time after discovering spots on a CT scan. His wife is also going on disability while she recovers from one surgery and prepares for another. Two of their three children have autism and are very sensitive to changes, causing them anxiety.
“They have had a hard year,” the mother told Press Christmas for All. “We all have.”
Their family is also grappling with transportation issues. The father’s truck was paid off, but had to be replaced, burdening the family with a new monthly bill. A car the mother uses is out of commission and will likely need replacing as well.
After the death of a close relative, a brief separation brought on by stress, the mother said that they are finally progressing back into a family unit. However, they are still experiencing difficulty covering bills and expenses, and have to rely on help from relatives to get by.
“We just need God to take us out of the fire,” she said, “and return health and prosperity to our family.”
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:
Donald Sausser; Patricia Backer; Mike & Linda Van Cheri; Raymond Gotz; Richard & Kimberly Listoe; Janice D’Arc, Robert & Gail Pinto; Ronald & Toni Clundt; Kathryn & Victor Eachon; Steve Hill Trucking, Inc.; Charles & Dorothy Clock; Howie & Jennifer Stalwick; David & Katherine Halpin; Cecil & Patricia Booth; Jim & Cyndie Hammond.