Divorce, disabilities plague mom and kids

Domestic violence and a bitter divorce have left one woman and her children on their own this Christmas.

She was with her husband nearly 20 years before the rocky relationship unraveled.

"He left my kids and I with nothing but the clothes on our backs," the mother of two told Press Christmas for All. "He took all the money, completely cut me off and he's refused to pay child support."

The woman and her 'tweens have no income as she is disabled and currently waiting for Supplemental Security Income. She has multiple sclerosis and other challenges that make it difficult to work.

To make things worse, the transmission just went out on her vehicle.

"I'm just trying to get on my feet," she said. "It's just one thing after another."

The mom and her children have no other family in the area, so they’re staying in a friend's basement while they work toward getting their own place and rebuilding their lives.

"My kids need things so desperately for school — clothes, basic needs," she said.

Amid all the legal turmoil and physical limitations, this mom, through tears, shared what keeps her going.

"My kids are amazing. They're my world. We're as close as we can be," she said. "We're the three musketeers. It's always been that way."

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.