PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Car repairs bless single mom, baby

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.

A broken rear window, a missing car jack and a check engine light that wouldn't turn off were financial hurdles for single mom "Sierra."

Two years ago, her life changed course when she graduated from rehab and was baptized into the Christian community. She went back to school to become a teacher and moved closer to the 9-year-old son she had lost touch with while in the throes of addiction.

Then she found out she was pregnant with a second child, and life changed again.

"My biggest challenge has been financially," Sierra said. "I worked until a week before my due date so I could save enough money for maternity leave, but soon realized I did not safe up enough."

After baby No. 2 was born, she found a job at a day care that allowed her to bring her newborn to work with her. While grateful for the work, the part-time hours meant small paychecks.

"I feel like I am barely scraping by," she said.

Sierra has stayed steady with sobriety, work and college, keeping a 3.9 GPA. She is proud to be in her son's life again and thankful for those who have helped her regain her footing in the world.

"Several years ago, I would have considered myself a lost cause," she said. "Now that couldn't be farther from the truth."

Working with St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined, Sierra's car was fixed to provide reliable transportation for her and her family.

"It's been really awesome," she said. "My back window was broken. To not have to worry about that is really great. I didn't know that I would ever get that fixed. I was able to pick it up in a day and I was just amazed. That was really a blessing."

Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. 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, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. 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, ID 83814.
• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176
• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2022 and make a secure, online donation.
• 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.

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