PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Man working to overcome series of unfortunate events
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.
Bad luck has haunted "Terrance" since a long bout with COVID-19 knocked him to the ground in April 2020.
"Three jobs all stopped," he said.
His roommates pitched in to buy him a bus ticket to North Idaho so he could reunite with his elderly mom and find stable work. It wasn't long before things got worse.
"I lost everything on my 32-hour bus ride up here," he said.
Terrance left everything on the bus to step off for a few minutes, only to return as the bus drove away.
"I chased it into the street," he said.
He made it to the next bus stop, but it was closed. When he finally caught up to the stop where his belongings were left, they had been rifled through and dumped in lost and found.
"All my belongings on the bus, stolen, gone," he said. "My wallet, ID, passport, Social Security card, original birth certificate, all removed off the bus."
Terrance eventually arrived at his mom's house with literally nothing.
"I was depressed," he said. "I had no job, no car, no money. Lost all my personal identification and personal items. I felt violated, naked, helpless."
Terrance struggled to overcome this massive setback.
"I thanked God for my safe arrival," he said.
He had to start from scratch as he recovered his identity so he could work again.
"I walked everywhere, rain or snow," he said. "My challenge was to work a little bit a day on myself, stay focused on overcoming each obstacle."
His brother gave him an old car, which he ended up staying in after his mom's landlord informed her that guests could not stay longer than 10 days. He secured two part-time jobs, then his home on wheels blew a belt and began having other issues.
"I have no friends. I have serious need to repair my brake light and an oil gasket leak," Terrance said. "My transportation is vital to getting to and from my job."
Through one thing after another, Press Christmas for All, Charity Reimagined helped Terrance with his vehicle repairs so he can continue working and restoring his life.
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
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