PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Mom seeks help with basic furnishings

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is one of them.

Recently divorced and raising three young daughters, “Jessica” is struggling to make ends meet even though she works full time. Last year Jessica was married and had a stable life. Then the family was displaced because the owner of their rental home sold it and they were forced to move with very little notice.

With real estate options extremely limited, the family managed to find a place, albeit one “way over budget,” Jessica said. Two months later, Jessica’s grandmother died, which was devastating as she had raised Jessica. The two were very close.

That same week, Jessica’s husband asked for a divorce. She and the children had to move again. The divorce proceedings were traumatic and Jessica doesn’t receive any support from her ex-husband.

“Despite these challenges, I found a fixer-upper to rent for my daughters and I,” Jessica told Press Christmas for All. During all of these transitions, Jessica also caught COVID and was sick for weeks.

Now, as Jessica is trying to keep her three children “feeling safe and stable” while dealing with all of these changes herself, she's asking Press Christmas for All for help to get basic furnishings for her home.

“We found a home but need bedding, rugs, curtains and my kids need clothes,” Jessica said.

Referring partners at the Post Falls Food Bank speak highly of Jessica. “Her work ethic is amazing and she is always thankful for each resource that (we) refer to her,” they said. “She has done extra work and gone without things herself to give her daughters extra activities to keep them emotionally healthy.”

Referring partners said that “Jessica is a fighter who fiercely loves her babies and will do everything she can to protect and care for them.”

The right kind of assistance will help Jessica and her children get back to a place of stability.

•••

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, veterans, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity 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 CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are four ways to donate:

• 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 2021.
• 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.

DONORS

Brad Hagadone; Teresa Crowley; Don & Kathy Robson; Willette Hanson; Valerie Devaleria; Kay Kindig; In Memory Of Carol Couch; Sharon Strobel, In Memory Of Larry Strobel; Miriam Owens, On Behalf Of Ashton & Greyson Owens; Elizabeth Gibbons; Robert & Mary Yuditsky; James & Jean Gray; Paul & Beverly McCabe; Gayle & Thomas Anthony; Lisa Wolf; Catherine Tinder; Richard Smith; Donna & John Bresemann; Amy Mayer

DONORS OVER $500

Reid Harlocker; Midway Automotive; Julius & Sandra Matheney; Jerry & Carolyn Clark; Brad & Kerry Novak; Tom & Amy Meyers; Mike & Janel Bloom