Mom wants to make special memories
The Panhandle Kiwanis Club pitched in $1,500 to get this year's Press Christmas for All campaign started. From left are club members Coco Jensen, Michelle Gonzales, Carolyn Jorgensen, Freda Campbell, Jill Jurvelin, Angela Erickson, Theresa Wild, Kim Collins, Kathy Bush, James Casper, Jessica Letus, Joseph Richards, Jim Deshazer, Matt Palmer, Karl Schimdt, Mart Behm and Chad Krahn. (COURTESY PHOTO)
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.
•••
This single mom of three is battling cancer and has been given only months to live. Because this might be the last Christmas she spends with her children, she hopes to make special memories that will last their lifetime.
Between medical bills and pain that limits her mobility, it’s a struggle to provide for her family. But the 31-year-old mom says she’s holding on.
“I’m a true believer in Christ and I think that all things happen for a reason,” she told Press Christmas for All. “I take things day by day.”
Her three kids understand what she’s going through. For Christmas, they’ve asked for practical gifts, like a pair of shoes to replace ones with a hole worn in the toe. But even purchasing small items would be a financial strain.
“I would like to give them one special gift,” the mom said. “It would be a blessing to give them something they absolutely deserve.”
Of course, she said, it’s not really about the gifts. It’s about cherishing their time together as a family. This year, more than ever, that time is precious.
“I’m just hopeful that, if this is the last Christmas I have, it doesn’t burden them,” she 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 your 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. These are the people we most want to help.
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 MENU on the top 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 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.