Mom hopes for a family meal for Christmas
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 of six recently fled an abusive marriage.
For almost 20 years, she was a stay-at-home mom. In that time, she endured emotional and financial abuse.
“You think your love is going to be enough to change someone,” she told Press Christmas for All. “But you learn the hard way that it’s never going to be enough.”
She attempted to flee once before, several years ago. But she couldn’t find a shelter that allowed boys over the age of 12, and she refused to abandon any of her kids with their abusive father.
After that, she began secretly making arrangements to leave. With six kids, the logistics were complicated. It was years before she was able to escape with all her children. Now she’s the sole provider for a family of seven.
“It’s a weird cycle,” the mom said. “When you get out and look back, you think you’re an idiot. But when you’re in it, it seems like an impossibility.”
Getting by has been a struggle, but this mom is looking ahead.
“Things happen for a reason. Each day is another gift,” she said. “You have to focus on the positive and not dwell on the past.”
She’s hoping to prepare a special meal for her kids this Christmas. For them, cooking together is a way to bond and connect as a family.
“Our life revolves around the kitchen,” she said. “It’s nice being able to make a nice meal and have a good memory.”
But it won’t be possible without a little help.
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:
Steve Latina and Julie Salo Latina; James and Joan Katayama; Gloria Jean and John Willard; Carol Root; Barbara Kamprath Radtke; Kenneth and Sherry Beno; Marilyn (Lynn) Jackson in Memory of Glenn R. Jackson Sr.; Jim and Joy Drechsel; Patty Humpherys and Mark Baxter; Debra Inman; Robert and Carole Smith; Rim and Pamela Barcellina; Patrick and Sheila Kelly; Stanley and Mona Wolf; James and Terry Hamby; Joyce Lent; Thomas Saathoff; Del and Lucille Bradshaw; Mary Lou Wilson; Nickie Odenthal; Doug and Mary Somers; David and Mardell Ackerman; Christine Gylling; Alan Benson; Johnny and Christine Powell; Scott Schanzle; Bill and Shelley Woodhead; Larry Mindt; Laura and Larry Hartman; Bob and Jennifer Rova; Bill and Barb Armstrong; Kathy and Dave Kuntz; In Memory of Darlene Hood; Pat Dyke; James and Mary Landers; Lawrence and Joanne Castor; Thomas and Adriene Wiechert; Thomas and Pat Collins; Janet and Sidney Lundwall; Dean and Judy Stepp; Margaret Mettalia; Delphine Kenney.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Silverwood Landscape and Horticulture Department; The Coeurly Q’s Square Dance Club; Leo and Karen Notar; Susanna and John Aalbers; Herb and Paulette Minatre; North Idaho Credit.