Family buried under blizzard of troubles
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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This mom is struggling to make ends meet as a full-time caregiver to her disabled husband, while also raising children with serious medical problems.
“I pray every day that things will be easier,” she told Press Christmas for All.
After her husband was permanently disabled in a workplace accident, the mom had to drop out of school to care for their three small kids. Since then, it’s been a struggle to pay for groceries, not to mention medical bills.
“We went from doing well to having nothing,” the mom said. “It’s a struggle to make rent and keep the lights on and keep my kids fed.”
This year has been especially hard, after the deaths of multiple close family members and expensive car repairs. Two of the children also suffer from chronic health problems, which stretches the family’s resources even thinner.
“If I could just have one day where things didn’t go wrong, I would be thinking the world’s going to cave in, because that never happens,” the mom said.
After paying the bills, there’s nothing left for Christmas. The kids don’t ask for much, the mom said, because they understand the family’s situation. But without help, there won’t be anything at all under the tree.
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.
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