Mom needs help guiding Santa to 5-year-old
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 hard to provide for her family on her own. But after a recent diagnosis, she needs a little help to make Christmas magical for her 5-year-old daughter.
“Her father has been out of the picture,” the mom told Christmas For All. “He doesn’t financially support her.”
The 35-year-old mom, who works with senior citizens, was recently diagnosed with a severe medical condition. The medication she needs is expensive. It also makes her feel sick and tired — but without it, she’s in too much pain to work.
With no support from her child’s father and medical bills piling up, she’s struggling to make ends meet. Even the bare necessities are hard to afford.
“Everything I make is just to keep a roof over our head,” she said. “There’s not much left for food.”
Her only wish this Christmas is to put something under the tree for her daughter.
“Giving her a sense of Santa isn’t possible without help,” 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 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:
Larry and Elaine Lathrop; Sue and Tom Thilo; Donald Sausser; Steve and Vawn Fishbaugh; Kathy McCaughin; Ray and Charlotte Von Sprecken; Jon and Gladys Kosty; Carol Stott and Raymond Duff in Memory of Ruth Capellen; Richard Moore; Dan and Marilyn Roden; Edward and Susan Leach; Larry and Bobbie Wolf; Bill and Donna Armbruster in Memory of our Grandson, Tyler Cordle; Donald and Charlotte Keane; Carol Sorenson; Gayle and Thomas Anthony; Janice D’Arc; Paul and Lisa Ferguson; Barbara Zimmer; Gilbert Khalil and Stacee Ebinger-Khalil; Graham and Betsy Crutchfield; Steve and Julie Hudson; Dennis and Kathryn Arneson.
THE OVER $500 CLUB
Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge #1254; James Kehrer.