Relying on the kindness of strangers
LOREN BENOIT/Press Northwest Specialty Hospital generously donates $1,500 to Coeur d’Alene Press Christmas for All. Pictured from left: Tanya Conner, Debbie Dlouhy, Kelli Topp, Kiah Drongesen, Makenzy Darnton, Barb Patton, Rick Rasmussen, Denise Fowler, JJ Turbin, Darron Rock, Brian Brigham and Chris Gregg.
Press reporter Brian Walker accepts a donation to the Christmas for All program on Friday. Treasurer Nancy Morris presented the $500 check on behalf of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Carnation Rebekah Lodge. (HOLLY PASZCZYNSKA/PRESS)
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 disabled firefighter isn’t wishing for much during the holiday season.
“Just something warm to eat,” he told Press Christmas for All.
More than three decades as a firefighter have taken a toll. He was forced to retire due to injuries sustained during his career. These days, he spends a lot of time with doctors and physical therapists.
“My back is getting really bad, to the point where I can’t even get out of bed,” he said.
In addition to his physical ailments, the 56-year-old also suffers from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The holidays are a difficult time for this former firefighter. After losing several family members in recent years, one of his closest companions is his service dog. But the kindness of strangers brings a little joy to his Christmas.
“If it wasn’t for Christmas for All, there are times I would’ve gone hungry,” he said.
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:
Bill and Kay Millsap; Bob and Sally MacKenzie In memory of Sylvia Spain; Coleman Engineering, Inc.; Eric and Michelle Haakenson; Marvel Brenner; Holly and Collin Coles; Nancy Holiman; Charles Groswith; Fleet Feet Jingle Bell Runners; Diane Partridge; Rob and Margaret Mathes; Richard and Robert Stanberry.
OVER $500 CLUB:
John and Kathy Barlow; Northwest Specialty Hospital; Richard and Marilyn Croy, Domino’s Pizza.