CFA applicants share their hardships
The Kootenai County residents in need who ask Press Christmas for All for holiday help are asked, when they fill out their applications, to describe their situations and explain why they need assistance this Christmas season.
The countless applications received this year represent individuals who tell us they are facing a very bleak Christmas Day without the help of this holiday charity program. Here are some of their words:
"Kids and I are living in a shelter." — Mother of two, ages 10 and 5.
"We are being evicted from our home and have to be out before the 4th of December so we could use the extra help." — Father of three young kids.
"Struggling with bills and paying off debt from doctors and trying to give our girls a Christmas they deserve." — Mom of three, ages 7-11.
"Disabled vet on limited income." — Husband, father of two babies.
"I was diagnosed with two separate autoimmune diseases and just need a little help." — Mother of six.
"I just got out of
prison and am trying desperately to get my feet on the ground again." — Single mother of four.
"I'm on disability and my husband is retired. We barely get enough to pay our rent and buy food." — 64-year-old woman.
"I am on foodstamps and do side work to help too, but after bills and such, I don't have a lot left to get a lot for the kids." — Single father with custody of six children.
"Homeless and no job." — Mother of a teen and 'tween.
"I'm a disabled widow living on SS Widow's Benefits and every month I struggle just to pay the bills." — Woman who cares for aging mother.
"Our family's rent unexpectedly went up $200 more two months ago, and we have never been able to catch up on bills now." — Mother of two.
"Just started a new job, trying to get back on my feet. Barely making ends meet." — Grandmother who cares for 3-year-old granddaughter.
"I have been diagnosed with Huntington's disease, a fatal condition, and am unable to work." — Mother of 9-year-old child.
"Homeless, living in a motel room with our young daughters." — Husband, father of two.
This is the 31st 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 cdapress.com/christmas_for_all.
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: Doris Peterson; Anonymous, in memory of our daughter Denise; Frances H. Gleim; Dawn Hayes; Mae D. Grace; Bob and Jennifer Rova; Helen and Roger Olson; Carole and Dean Griffin; Dennis Huss; Machelle Martin; Anonymous; J.B. and Dorothy Benoit; Anonymous; David and Katherine Halpin; Peggy and Stephen Cedros; Dan and Marilyn Roden.