Working two jobs, mom's still struggling
Courtesy photo Coeur d’Alene Education Association members donated $1,023 to Press Christmas for All. Pictured from left: CEA Secretary Jaime Bright, President Bruce Twitchell, Vice President Jeff Lake, Treasurer Karina Selby and Idaho Education Association Region 1 President Rick Jones.
Raised so far: $127,230 To date last year: $88,830 Left to reach goal: $47,770
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 mom works two jobs to support her family but is barely making ends meet.
“Everything that I work hard for is spent on bills,” she told Press Christmas for All. “I don’t even have enough money to do laundry.”
Life is stressful at the best of times for this mom, but the holidays are even harder. She’s falling behind on bills. A special meal for the family to share on Christmas or a few small gifts for her sons are out of the question.
“I’m not going to be able to give them anything for Christmas,” she said.
At least, not without some 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:
David Young in Loving Memory of Scotty; Bobby Joe McMurray and Ron Wilson in Memory of Frank Wilson; Alastair and Joyce Summers; Stacy Carson; Dave and Janie Sande; Linda Isaacson; Bob Gridley; Gary and Arlene Anderson; Mary and Lane McCombs; Patrick and Linda Dufour; Lawrence and Diane Boreham; T.R. and Lavonne Lloyd; Louise Rossi; W. Warren and Rebekah Swartz; Gene Pierson; James and Georgia Warren; Olive Allison; Jayna and Patrick Mills in Honor of Tom Cooper, Larry Mills and Doug Taylor; Carolyn Burns; Jeff and Kate Harrison; Phil Ward; K. Buller; Bob and Judy Johnson; Ashton and Greyson Owens; Richard Flugel; Larry and Darrylyn Gordon; Patrick and Renee Miller; Dolly and Marshall Mend; Judy Ross; Milton and Catherine Schauble; Philip and Susan Harding.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Keith and Susan Hill; Coeur d’Alene Education Association; Barstow Foundation; Coeur d’Alene Rifle & Pistol Club, Inc.