Depression hits hard during holiday season
He battles depression and other health issues all year long, but at Christmastime, it becomes more paralyzing than usual for this man.
“It’s hard to keep going sometimes,” he told Christmas for All.
He will spend some time on Christmas Day with his elderly mother who, with dementia, lives in senior housing.
Unable to work full-time due to his conditions, the 51-year-old relies on disability income and when he can, he makes a little money doing small odd-jobs for neighbors.
This has been a very challenging year for him.
He lost his housing last spring and was homeless for a few months. He’s now in a tiny apartment where he struggles to pay for his basic needs and pay his bills.
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:
Michael and Nance Lo Presti; Donald Maryon and Tamara Odom-Maryon; Margie Wise; Lawrence and Diane Boreham; Louise Rossi; Pauline Wilson; Steve Hill Trucking, Inc; Susan and J F Rommel; Paul and Virginia Westhafer; James and Marian Lynn; A and D Hughan; James and Bonita Crowder; Chris and Victoria Miller; Patty Fields “In memory of Harry & Betty Fields”; Steve and Judy Hudson; August Mack and Joni Schomer; Ron & Heidi Gifford; INB Bank; MaryLou Dion; Kevin Chang; Brooks Sea Plane Service; Douglas Welbourn “In memory of Robbie”; Ray and Marcine Doyal; Richard and Marilyn Croy.