PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Single mom aims to give back
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 single mom of five, “Grace” is determined to break the cycle of addiction and trauma in her family — starting with herself.
Last year, her former partner relapsed into drug and alcohol addiction, then turned Grace and the children out of their shared home.
Grace had been sober for three years. As she scrambled to find a temporary home for her family, she maintained her own sobriety, which she’d worked hard to achieve.
“There’s been points in my story where it would’ve been easy to fall into self-pity or shame,” Grace said. “But I feel at this point that I’ve learned and healed enough that perhaps I can be helpful to others.”
That’s why she’s studying to become a social worker at North Idaho College. She’s juggling a full load of classes with her responsibilities as a mom of five.
“It’s been challenging for sure, with all the stuff life throws at us,” she said. “But I’m feeling confident and grateful to have the opportunity.”
When Grace’s car broke down, Christmas for All paid for the repairs. The gift enabled Grace to get to campus and to get her children to their different schools and activities.
“I am beyond grateful,” she said. “I had no idea what I was going to do before Christmas for All.”
She said she’s thankful for the community support that is helping her build a stable life for her children.
“Sometimes things feel hopeless,” Grace said. “But the community can be there to help us when we’re in need. We don’t have to do everything on our own. That’s not anything we need to be ashamed of. Hopefully it inspires us to give back in our own way.”
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
John & Patricia Deus; Hugh & Carol Maloney; Diana Sullivan; Marilee Wallace; Parker & Kay Woodall; Diana Whaley — in loving memory of her husband and father