Mom, kids trying to recover from domestic violence
Raised so far: $14,525 To date last year: $15,475 Needed for goal: $160,475
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 lost everything when she fled her abusive spouse.
Everything except for her kids.
To escape physical abuse, she ran to a shelter with her small children, a 3-year-old and a baby. They had nowhere else to stay, no transportation, and few belongings. Even her daughter’s clothes and toys had to be left behind.
The father has since moved out of state and provides no support for his children. The family of three is living in a single room and struggling to get by.
Despite the hardships, the mom says it was worth it. Anything is better than the life they were living.
“It’s important to keep your family safe,” she told Press Christmas for All. “You can still get back up on your feet.”
The changes have been especially hard on her 3-year-old daughter.
“She doesn’t understand what’s going on,” the mom said. “She had a dad and now she doesn’t. She doesn’t have her home anymore. She’s always asking about going home.”
After a tough year, this mom’s only Christmas wish is to make the holiday special for her children.
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:
Gerry Thompson; Ed and Terri Morse; Tiofilo and Kimberly Vidales; Thomas and Eileen DuHamel; Keith and Shelly Woodward; Carol Yost; Ron and Paula Adams; Beta Sigma Phi Laureate Eta Chapter; Leslie Gourley; Roberta Manley In Memory of Oliver Manley; Richard and Iyn Gerhard; Cricket Pierce; Joan Gabrielsen; Patricia Cogley; Earl Mason; Betty Capaul In Loving Memory of Ray Capaul; Carl and Sandra Stouffer; Twyla-Lea and Jeffrey Owens; Laura and Francis Augusta; Jeanne and James Whaley; Dorothy Morey; Richard Lund in Memory of Arlene Lund; Kathry and Victor Eachon, Jr.; Harold Markiewicz in Memory of Bernie Fox; Tom and Carolyn Legge; William and Susan Sturgeon; Billie Newsom; Steve and Janice Burris; Katherine Hennigan; Helen and Holly Mitchell; John and Susan McGinnis in Memory of Jeannie Gannsey; Alice and Robert Anderson; Gary and Sandra Sonnen; Ada May Foster; Charlene Halfhide; Robert and Jackie Jewett; James Westerberg and Richard Westerberg; Jeff and Sandy Medved; Pauline Wilson; Sally Hall; Katherine Phillips; Rhoda and Clifford Schlehuber; Betty Cheeley; Kenneth and Karen Moore; Helen and Roger Olson; Dennis and Teresa Wolfe; Barbara and Richard Baird; Thomas and Connie Dunn in Loving Memory of LJ and Maryann Novak.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Lyndel Newsom