Serious accident gets dad down - but not out

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of people applying for help. Here’s one of them.

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A single dad, “David” is fighting to get back on his feet after a life-threatening accident that left him in a coma.

He remembers waking in the hospital and learning that he’d suffered multiple brain bleeds, facial fractures, a broken leg and other injuries.

“I knew I had my work cut out for me,” David said.

But he didn’t know how to approach the daunting task of recuperating from his injuries, especially while raising his children alone.

Due to his injuries, David had to take a year off work. He turned to the Post Falls Food Bank for help.

“I have been blessed to use them as an additional resource while getting back on my feet in order to give my kiddos the life they deserve,” he said.

This year, David was able to return to his passion: teaching.

As a substitute teacher, he’s worked in 17 schools, with a range of students. He also volunteers as a coach for local parks and recreation programs.

David said he’s learned a great deal about himself since the accident. He’s also surrounded himself with a community of people he’s met along the road to recovery.

Assistance from Press Christmas for All would help David provide for his family until he moves into a permanent teaching position next year.

“I was knocked down, but it was only temporary,” David said. “Through the help of others and my strength and resolve, I know I am not finished yet and the sky is the limit.”

This is the 34th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need. Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level.

The beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Charity Reimagined. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:

- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.

- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The donations are officially coming in. Here’s who contributed recently:

S & J Burris; Sue & Tom Thilo; Dennis and Mary Casey; David and Elsie Casteel; Evalyn Adams; Cecil and Patricia Booth; Thomas & Stephanie Koennel; Diana, James, and Chad Whaley; Parker & Kay Woodall; Bill Sturgeon; Ann and Kevin Gale; Betty Ball; David and Patricia Hoskins; Julia and James Mangon; Paul and Lisa Ferguson; Kathryn and Victor Eachon, In Memory of Harry L. Johnson; Larry Wolf; Angelika Bradford; Donald and Charlotte Keane; Ray and Patricia Pollard; K. Geisa Montgomery; Brad and Catrin Stoddard; Graham & Betsy Crutchfield; Marshall Mend; Kathy Hennigan; Mike & Linda Van Cheri; Ray Bradley Jr.

Donations $500 or more:

Corby Locke; Craig Adams; Marc and Maggie Lyons; Suzy Shute; Cancer & Community Charities, Barbara L. Newland; Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge NO 1254; First Christian Church; Jim & Deb Kehrer; Betsy & John McTear Dedicated to the U.S. Military.