For mom/caretaker, 'Some days are harder than others'
LOREN BENOIT/Press Super 1 Foods donates $9,825 to Press Christmas For All. Pictured from left: Press Publisher Clint Schroeder, Hayden Store Manager Brian Howell, Grocery Manager Chanel Hester, Super 1 Foods President Ron McIntire and Press Advertising Director Kari Packer.
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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The weight of the world is on this mom’s shoulders. She’s a caretaker to her disabled husband, homeschooling two teens and managing a household on a limited income.
“It’s tough to make Christmas special,” she told Press Christmas for All.
Money is tight for this family. Because the dad needs full-time care, the mom is unable to work outside the home. It’s a challenge to make ends meet. Even a special meal for the family to share at Christmas would be a strain on their budget.
“Some days are harder than others,” the mom said. “But God has blessed us abundantly in many ways that I would’ve never dreamed possible. I am surrounded by a beautiful church family that loves us and encourages us.”
Even a little help would go a long way to making Christmas merry and bright.
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:
Rosemary McGrath; Jim Walden and Nancy Brown; Dean and Cynthia Haagenson; Andrew and Jean Hjort also Kristine Trask; Robert and Teresa Shaw; Terry and Sharon Edelblute; Richard Cripe; IDL; Sandy and Fred Ambrose; Brooks Family; Oleson Family; Marie Skelton “in loving memory of my son, Larry Chapin.”