PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Keys to a brighter future
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.
"Malcolm" was introduced to drugs at the tender age of 8.
He spent years in and out of jail, working with professionals to help manage his mental health issues, which include post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
"I'm struggling," said Malcolm, now 39. "I'm working at the carwash making $8.25 an hour just getting by."
Malcolm has been in drug court since February 2021, actively working to keep substance abuse in the rearview mirror.
He has no family to support him, but he is determined to rewrite his life story.
"I recently got my driver's license," he said. "I've started trauma therapy, which has been hard on me."
Malcolm's newfound freedom to drive himself to work and therapy soon turned sour when he realized the car he bought was a lemon, requiring new tires and other repairs.
"Three days into it the water pump went out," he said. "It needed tires, shocks and struts."
This is when Kootenai Drug Court, Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined stepped in for Malcolm to assist him with his vehicle needs and get him back in the driver's seat.
"It meant a lot to me because I didn't have the funds available to me at the time," he said. "It really did help me and impacted me a lot just to know there's good people out there. Sometimes you forget there are good people out there who are willing to help."
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.
RECENT DONORS
Mark Marlow Faulkner; Richard Belzer; Anonymous; Carol Yost; Janet & Albert Anderson; Wilma & John Ednie Trust; Cheryl Walkden