Car problems and more trouble family at Christmas

Financial problems are making it hard for one local family to have a happy holiday this Christmas season. After the two cars they owned became inoperable, they had to resort to renting a car so the husband can get to work, an expense the struggling family has trouble managing.

“Every time we feel like we have got out of debt, we get right back in it,” the mother wrote Press Christmas for All.

Medical problems are also adding to their difficulties. One of the children suffered a sports-related concussion, causing mental and medical troubles that have been hard on the family. The mother also needs surgery, but has been avoiding it for fear of losing her job.

In addition, one of the parents’ adult children had to return home because of marital troubles, bringing a young son of their own.

With their bills and five people to take care of in their home, the parents say that they’re barely getting by, asking for help in providing Christmas for their 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: Laura & Francis Augusta; Myles & Phyllis Anderson; Verne & Marge Peterson, In loving memory of our Grandson, Dustin J.C. Peterson; James & Cynthia Palombi; Wes & Mary Schmidt; Doug Welbourn, In memory of Robbie; Richard & Judy Sheldon; Jean Donaldson; Elsie Vanklaveren; Sherry Robinson; Robert & Anita Banta; Marty and Mike Denham; J.B. & Dorothy Benoit; Linda Borg; Von & Elke Helmuth; The Monday Bridge Club; Anonymous; James & Grace Rebal; Darin & Monique Hayes; Anonymous; Anonymous; Kiwanis Club of CDA; Bradley & Shariae Dugdale; D.A. Davidson; Mike and Jill Kincaid; Kathy & Russell DiBiase; In memory of Trevin Patrick Lippert; Mary Lou Teyler; David & Amanda Hughan; Roy & Kay Wellman; Oram & Sandra Kramer.