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Dad humbly asks for holiday help

| December 10, 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’s one of them.

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Asking for help is hard for this single dad of three.

He works hard to provide for his kids, ages 4 to 8, who he’s raised by himself ever since his divorce. The children’s mom is out of the picture.

“It’s stressful,” the dad told Press Christmas for All. “I have a hard time living up to the expectations I set for myself.”

Even when money is tight, the dad prefers not to ask for help. Pride often gets in the way of reaching out.

But the family’s only car needs a new engine. Costly repairs don’t leave much left for Christmas. It’s hard for the dad to humble himself — but this Christmas, his only wish is to be able to give something to his children, the most important people in his life.

“They’re young kids,” he said. “They don’t necessarily understand financial situations. I don’t want to impose that burden on them. It would be great for them to feel just like every other kid.”

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:

Mary Andersen and Family In Memory of Donald Andersen; Larry and Karen Groscost; Brian and Janice Odenthal; Adrian and Gertrudee Bogers; Alan and Mary Pettit; Jean Schaffer Given in Loving Memory of my Husband John Schaffer; Bill and Carol Delyea; Lee and India Sorenson.