In need of a good job

Income instability is a reality for this stepdad.

He and his family relocated to North Idaho with the hopes of finding a new career and the dreams that a full-time job would allow for some normalcy in their lives.

"I have not had much luck," the stepdad wrote to Press Christmas for All. "I was working with a temp agency and recently I was demoted from full time to now part time, leaving me financially unstable at the moment."

Even the part-time position he was able to secure is not secure at all.

"Work has come to a standstill with work supplies running low," he wrote. "I'm currently putting in application upon application in hopes something better will come along for me and my family."

Without steady pay, it's difficult for this man to keep food on the table and keep the lights on, but it's going to be even tougher to provide a happy Christmas for his 8-year-old stepson.

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: Charlotte Ervin; Tom Leach; Tom and Nancy Burke; Kathy and Denny Arneson; Matthew Gardner, in memory of Joseph and Mary Ganser.