Struggling to provide for the grandkids

One grandmother is paying the price for her adult children lacking parenting skills.

She has legal guardianship of two of her grandkids and she is working to obtain guardianship of the younger two.

All of these little ones are under the age of 9, with the youngest barely 8 months old.

"Unfortunately, my son and daughter have not learned how to be parents yet," the grandmother said.

As though juggling the schedules and caring for four young children is not enough, this grandma is disabled and on a limited Supplemental Security disability income.

"It doesn't allow me, after rent, food, etc., to be able to give my grandchildren much of a Christmas," she said.

But a little help from Press Christmas for All could be just what she needs to make those grandbabies smile on Christmas morning.

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: James and Barbara Browne; Dennis and Katherine Wilson; Lucie Maier; Oram and Sandra Kramer; Marilyn Jackson, in memory of Glenn Jackson; Dennis and Maire Branden; Ned and Diane Tower; Lohman Catron; Jim Hill, in memory of Bobbie Hill; Richard Ness; Del and Lucille Bradshaw; Elizabeth Lee; Nickie Odenthal; Margie Wise; Evelyn Oakland; Delores Griffin; Douglas and Eileen Cresswell; Jeff Connaway; Douglas and Christa Elli; Anonymous; Dick and Rhonda Schultz; Kenneth Olsen; Anonymous; Helen Mitchell; Opal Anderson; Darrel and Beverly Wilson; Richard and Kimberly Listoe.