Family set back after fire consumes home

After a fire wiped out a young mom's home and worldly possessions, she and her little sons had to move into a camper at her grandmother's house.

"We lost everything," the mother of three said. "We lost our animals; we lost every article of clothing. I had nothing."

Just last Christmas, the woman was able to buy new clothes, toys and a new Christmas tree for her family. Things were going well.

"It's just unsettling because the situation I was in last Christmas, I mean, I had a good job, I had my boys, my home," she said. "Now I'm feeling stressed out."

After the fire took everything, they lived in a motel for a time and wore donated clothes. This mom now must save each dollar she earns at her service industry job, which means no money for the holidays. She didn't own the home that burned, so there are no hopes for insurance claims or anything to help recover the losses.

She just wants to be able to give her boys a Christmas this year.

"Every penny that I have right now is to get into a new place to get out of that camper before winter hits," she said. "My main concern is getting a place for them to live. I'm on the path to that. But my biggest worry is that if I was to take any funds out of what I'm making, we would be in an even bigger hole."

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.