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Christmas For All applicants share their hardships

| December 3, 2018 12:00 AM

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 are some of the shorter stories in the applicants’ own words.

•••

“My apartment burned down. Nothing in the home was salvageable. My three-year-old son is scared that Santa won’t come, since his home is gone.” — Mother of five.

“Our son was born prematurely and passed away 12 hours later. We spent all our savings on travel and medical bills for the pregnancy and his birth.” — Father of five, ages 3-9.

“Left my abusive husband. My children and I are in our own place for the first time and I am struggling to pay all the bills.” — Mother of three, ages 4-10.

“We were homeless a year and a half ago and I am still trying to get on my feet. Everything I make goes to bills.” — Mother of five.

“Living in a motel room. Barely scraping by. Wife is always sick.” — Father of two, 13 and 15.

“I am a disabled single mom, and after I pay our bills, we live on $60 a week.” — Mother of a 7-year-old.

“Children need pants for school that do not have holes for the winter months. Money is tight and we are struggling to keep up.” — Mother of five, ages 3-9.

“Single dad of two girls. Lost my job and our house due to being the victim of domestic violence.” — Father of two.

“Will be homeless at the end of the month. Can’t afford rent any more.” — 28-year-old man.

“Hours have been reduced. Father is no longer in the picture. Just trying to make sure my kids have a good Christmas.” — Mother of four, ages 3-9.

“Just moved into our own place after being homeless for two years.” — Single mother of four.

“Domestic violence.” — Mother of two.

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:

Ray and Beverly Garland; James and Alison Kenway; Mary and James Davis; Dixie and Alfred Braun; Darrel and Beverly Wilson; Lennis McLeod; James and Julia Mangan; Tom and Jude Townsend.

OVER $500 CLUB:

Wally and Pam Adams.