Loving grandparents struggle to care for their grandkids
These grandparents never expected to be parenting young children again at their age.
But when their daughter passed away suddenly last year, the couple took custody of their daughter’s kids, now ages 6 and 3. Their son-in-law, the children’s dad, suffered a serious head injury in a car wreck shortly before the second child was born, and is permanently, seriously disabled. He cannot care for himself or the kids, the grandmother told Christmas for All.
“We love our grandkids, and we’re not letting them go to foster care,” the grandma said.
When it was just her and her husband in the household, finances were tight, she said, but they were able to pay their bills and buy food using their Social Security payments. But it’s not enough for a family of four, especially since the grandma has some health issues that prevent her from working.
The grandfather, at 78, has taken a job again, at a local retail store, to help keep the family afloat.
“I wish there was more I could do,” the grandma said. “These kids have lost a lot.”
She said, no matter how much she wants to make the holiday a little special for the children, there is no way she can do it without a little help.
This is the 32nd year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of people like this during the holiday season.
The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is common.
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.
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.
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 are tax-deductible and 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 goo.gl/WospPG.
Recent donors:
John and Elizabeth Muth; Richard and Carla Browning; Daniel and Valerie Soumas; Joanne Hellawell; Joan Day; Myles and Phyllis Anderson; Sally Hall; Clyde Ylitalo; Gary & Arlene Anderson; Stieg and Joan Gabrielsen Family; Kay Hayes; Karen Deitz; R.F. Link; Doris Peterson; Chuck and Cindy Matthews “In memory of Jack Bannon”; Dennis and Mary Casey; Jeff and Sue Welch “In memory of Ben Phillips”; Ronald and Linda Klein; Betty Henderson; Doris Hagdorn-Bartlett; Gary and Sandra Sonnen; James and Jeanne Whaley; Sheila Gary; James and Toni Christy; Dennis and Sylvia Kerr; Mr. and Mrs. Grutta; Janice D’Arc; Beverly Turner; David Carneiro; Ted and Barbara Crumely; John and Betsy McTear.