Young mom seeks to provide good Christmas memories
Kootenai Title Company on Northwest Boulevard generously donated $1,000 to the Coeur d'Alene Press Christmas for All fundraiser. Pictured, front row, from left: Twila Willcut, Angela Adams, Karen Wilmoth, Debbie Matthews, Chali Gregory, Lisa Willette, Denise Potts, Deborah Moore, Lindsay Sargis, Elsie Patrick, Cindy VanSlate, Emelyn Hopkins, Billie Horvath, Jan DeFord, Sandy Motz. Back row from left: Meagan Shields, Halie Spencer, Harlie Potts, Morgan Hodge, Jenny Unruh, Tami Nearing, Alicia Mills, Kelly Smith, Keri Mitchell, Dave Wild, Nikki Droll, Brett Nearing, JT Jacobsen. (LOREN BENOIT/P…
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 young mom is struggling to make ends meet while while dealing with health problems that make it difficult to work.
Her 3-year-old daughter is just beginning to understand the concept of Christmas — but she’s not yet old enough to understand the family’s struggles.
“It’s not fair to her,” the mom told Press Christmas for All. “I want her to be able to look back, when she’s with her own kids, and say, ‘My mom gave me gave me those really good Christmases that I’ll remember my whole life.’”
But purchasing even a small gift for her daughter would be a financial strain. The mom feels she can’t justify the expense when money is so tight.
“Even $5 or $10 makes a big difference,” she said. “You can make dinner for a week on that.”
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:
Kathy Henderson; LouAnne Wise; Teri Pratt; Duane and Sharon Fitch; Getreu-Cross Family; Barb Crumpacker in Memory of Joe and Verla Brandvold; Caryn Dubke; Jane and Bob Shillingstad; James Barney; Ernest Cherrstrom; Employees of North Kootenai Water District; Maidy Kress; Rosanne Valentino; St. Luke’s Guild; Richard and Janis Nielsen; Randy and Jane Thomas; James and Grace Rebal; Mr. Douglas Weir; Keith and Terry Franklin; W. Huender; Clarence and Mary Helgeson; Craig and Janet Heilman; Esther Alme; Joseph Allen; Roy and Kay Wellman; Dorothy Clock; William and Sharon Carlson; Mary and Robert Ward; Lohman Catron; Gavin and Christina Budd; John and Michelle Bartlett in Memory of Sandy Kravik.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Kootenai County Title Company, Inc.; Atchley Financial Group; Robert and Mary Kay Yuditsky.