Medical emergencies take toll on family as Christmas approaches
Raised so far: $91,355 Needed for goal: $78,645
It has been a traumatic year for this family, draining them emotionally and financially.
They almost lost a daughter to a suicide attempt.
“She was being bullied at school and couldn’t take anymore and downed a whole bottle of pills,” the mother told Christmas for All.
The child ended up in the intensive care unit of a specialty hospital in another state, in a coma for a week.
After spending six weeks away from home with their daughter, the family returned home and began to rebuild their lives. A short time later, the father became seriously ill and ended up in the intensive care unit of a local hospital. He is still unable to return to work.
“We are trying to stay afloat from all this and keep ourselves from drowning financially,” the mom said.
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: Frances Brown and Eleanor Goltz; Rosemary McGrath; The Roosevelt Inn; William and Evelyn Hueder; Larry and Laura Stahlecker; William and Sharon Carlson; Craig and Connie Burkhart; Red Hot Mamas; Dennis and Mikki Stevens; John Albee Family; Geraldeen Evonenko “In memory of parents and grandchild”; Ben and Dawn Brown; Kay V and JoAnn Nelson; The Morse Family; Dave and Janie Sande; Bob Fumke; Don and Linda Cheatham.