Family struggling after father's suicide

This young mother asked Press Christmas for All for help this year because she is now raising three very young children on her own.

Her husband took his own life last year while she was pregnant with their third child. She is now the sole provider for a 4-year-old, a 6-year-old and an infant.

“I am barely making enough to keep the bills paid and will not be able to afford presents this year for our children,” she said.

It’s been a difficult year for all of them, she said.

“After losing their daddy, I would be so grateful to be able to give them something on Christmas...A good Christmas would mean the world to us,” the mother said.

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: 3Cs Charities; Graham & Betsy Crutchfield; Bobby & Larry Wolf; Raymond & Patricia Pollard; Gwen Letson; Lucille & John Smith; Joe & Diane Dahlheim; Donna & Bill Armbruster, In loving memory of our son Tyler Cordle; Laureate ETA Beta; Barbara Hudson.