Veteran mom needs help putting gift under tree
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of some of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.
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After a painful divorce, this single mom and veteran is struggling to make ends meet while raising two young daughters.
“I’ve been doing what I can to stay afloat,” she told Press Christmas for All.
She served in the Army for eight years, including a tour in Afghanistan. Her former husband is also a veteran.
“Our story is, unfortunately, a really ragged one. PTSD affects both of us,” she said. “It’s a tough subject.”
Ever since the divorce, money has been tight. She makes too little to cover more than the essentials for her family, but too much to qualify for assistance.
It’s difficult, she said, but her daughters, ages 8 and 5, are resilient. They’re also artistic and compassionate. The 8-year-old is knitting scarves for the homeless, to make the season a little brighter.
But there won’t be any gifts waiting for her under the tree this year. At least, not without some help.
“The magic of Christmas is something I wish no kid would ever go without,” her mom said.
This is the 33rd 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 gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. They are barely making ends meet and they do not qualify for other holiday charity programs.
Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common factor. But through Christmas for All, they 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.
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 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on the menu on the left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.
To make a donation by phone using your credit card, call 208-664-8176.
RECENT DONORS:
Tom and Nancy Burke; Jack and Helen Yuditsky; Robert and Judith Zeiss; Diane Legerski; Audrey Schutz; Catherine Tinder; Dennis and Mary Casey.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Jeremy Shute.