Mother strives to give son a merry Christmas

Medical issues, living in a remote location, the inability to work and a broken down car made it a tough year to make ends meet for one mom.

"I haven't been working most of the year," she said. "I now have a part-time job, which barely covers things we need, but I do my best and whatever side jobs I can."

Education is an important goal for this mother of a 7-year-old boy. She wants to complete her GED and go to college so she can be self-sufficient without government help. She doesn't receive any assistance from her son's dad, who is on the lam from the law and hasn't been in the child's life much.

Fortunately, her own father gives them a place to live.

"Thankfully I have a good father that helps," she said.

All this young mom wants is to be able to provide her son with what he needs and a couple things he asked for this Christmas.

"I even use the money my dad uses for my presents to get him stocking stuffers," the mom said. "I'd much rather go without anything just to get him something."

She said her son received a free dirt bike this year but has not been able to ride it because he does not have a proper protective helmet. She'd like to have one under the tree for him on Christmas morning if finances allow. Without the ability to pay for daycare, she has to cut her own work hours short to pick him up from school, which means less pay.

"Without Christmas for All, the low income families, even the ones who do work full time or extra and have the maximum $7.25 wage, it's basically impossible to even dream about having a Christmas," she said. "Christmas for All is the way for parents to give kids the things they want for Christmas, and give them the things they ask for and they deserve."

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 accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.