Dad: Nothing for me, just for them
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 single dad of three is barely getting by after losing his job.
He’d worked in the same position for years, in an industry where he has decades of experience. But when a new owner bought the business, the dad was let go. It’s been a struggle ever since.
“It’s been a rough time for me personally,” he told Press Christmas for All. “This is the first time I’ve ever thought about applying for assistance.”
The 55-year-old dad has struggled to find a new job. He suspects that his age is a factor.
“I’ve sent my resumé out everywhere,” he told Press Christmas for All. “I’m a hospitality guy. I’ve been doing it for a long time. But sometimes I feel like, going to interviews, they think you can’t do the job because you’re older.”
Unemployment covers rent, but not much else. The dad said he’s had to get creative in order to stretch the family’s limited resources. He’s eager to start working again and trying to stay hopeful.
“God closes doors and he opens doors,” he said. “I go to church every Sunday. That’s been a big help.”
The dad became emotional when he spoke about his kids.
“I don’t want anything for me, just for them,” he said. “I don’t know how to ask for help for myself.”
Without some kind of miracle, he said, this will be the first time his kids don’t have a Christmas.
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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RECENT DONORS:
Richard and Nona Kay Barclay; Kristen Pedersen; Thomas and Sally Stuber; Roger and Pam Rowland; Nancy Bell and Pam Rowland; William and Donna Faris; Jan and Dan Kaestner; Ronald and Beverly Noble; Roger Brockhoff in Memory of Joyce;
OVER $500 CLUB:
Larry Echelberger