'Times are tough' for out-of-work dad
HOLLY PASZCZYNSKA/Press Linda Rider stopped by The Press offices on Tuesday to drop off a $1,500 donation made by the Kootenai-Shoshone Farm Bureau. Reporter Ralph Bartholdt accepted the donation.
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 father of three is struggling to find full-time work while caring for his disabled wife.
“Times are tough,” he said. “We make the best of the situation for the kids.”
He was laid off earlier this year, after four years with the same company. Finding a new job that fits his schedule is a challenge, but he has to be available to care for his wife and children.
While he continues to search, he’s working temporary jobs to support his family. It’s barely enough.
“It would be a relief to have what we need to give the kids a good Christmas,” he told Press Christmas for All. “To make sure they have good food on the table and don’t have to stress about where things are coming from.”
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:
Bob and Tanya Benson; Rhonda Babbitt in Memory of Eugene Cross; Connie Walters; Orion Gives Again-Chapman Family; August and Joanne Mack; Jan Koal; Bill Bollinger; Sholeh and Mike Patrick; Kevin and Nancy Boling; Pat Backer; Walter and Nanci Allard; Judy Patterson; Paul and Dee Coye; Bill and Ruth Kauffman; Dale and Barbara Dennis; S. Smith; Jim and Marian Lynn; Dave and Nancy Wright; JoAnn and K.V. Nelson; Roger and Nancy Clark; Linda and Thomas Walker in Memory of Tom Walker; Dale and Phyllis Holte in Memory of our Sons, Ron and Rod; Dusty Rhoads in Memory of my Wife, Audrey; Cheryl Christopherson; Bart and Bonnie Chamberlin; Angelika Bradford; Millie and Donna Moring; Roseanne Kilbane; Martha Coulter-Laing; Joan Lewis the Honor Ludlow Wedding; Christopher and Tonie Koonce; Robert and Barbara Lee; Doryne Rogstad in Memory of Cindy Roth; Margie Wise; Terry and Marilyn Harwood; Elaine and Thomas Cerny; Dale and Sandra Lawrence.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Kootenai-Shoshone Farm Bureau; Whiteman Lumber Co., Inc.; Carol and Charlie Bean; Bev and Norb Twillmann.