Summer fires lead to winter woes for family in timber industry

A family of seven is finding it hard to get through this winter, and the wildfires that blazed across North Idaho last summer are to blame.

In a message to Press Christmas for All, the mother wrote, “It’s been a tough year for logging. With the fires, my husband has hardly had any work.”

The extreme fire season severely restricted many logging operations this summer. Limited supply has raised the value of timber, but also left many loggers out of work in locations where fire threatened.

Adding to the family’s difficulty, all but one of the children have birthdays in December and January.

“I don’t know what we will do for Christmas without help,” wrote the mother. “I just want to give my children smiles on their faces this Christmas.”

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: Michael & Cathe Okuniewicz; Judy & Randy Lackner; Anonymous; Linda Jo Isaacson; C. Barry Zimmerman; James & Barbara Browne; Michel & BettyAnn Pentony; Kootenai Charities, INC.; Dan & Linda Green; Scott and Holly McNee; David and Peggy Whitman; Anonymous; Richard Straub and JoAnn Solberg; Kathleen Mosely; Dewitt & Ardith Barton; Jim & Jerre Coleman; Jeff & Kate Harrison; Anonymous, In memory of Tracy Hyenga; Thomas & Vernetta Hiatt; Bud & Evie Oakland; Dennis & Marie Branden; Leland & Lyndell Erwin; Leslie & Nancy Biby; Roger & Helen Olson; Patty Humpherys & Mark Baxter; David Carneiro; John & Linda Boughton; Thomas & Kristi Sharbono; Russ & Laura Ulrich; Bradley Stoddard; Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club; Cory & Jan Cherrstrom; Tim & Kathryn Hunt.