PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Mom escapes abuse, wants better life for son
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.
Newly single mom "Allison" wants nothing more than to provide a wonderful life for her 8-year-old son.
"Some say being a single parent is like being a superhero," she said. "Most days, I don't feel like a superhero. I am just trying to survive."
Allison was married for several years before infidelity and abuse by her ex-husband shattered their marriage. She did what she had to do for herself and her only child — she left.
"I had to move out and start a new life with my son," she said.
With no child support, financial assistance or family to help, Allison has struggled to stay ahead of bills and other expenses that go along with being the sole provider.
Things only got worse over the summer when someone caused more than $500 in damages to her car in a hit and run.
"Having to start completely over and being a single parent, money is very tight," she said.
Allison has not been deterred in her mission to build a good life for her boy. She loves kids and is going to school to be a teacher. She just needed a new laptop to do her online schoolwork. Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined awarded Allison a laptop and Super 1 Foods gift cards to give her the ability to remotely work on school assignments and give her a financial buffer as she paid off her car insurance.
"I want to show my son that anything is possible," Allison said. "Even when life gets hard, you have an option to do better and get through it stronger. He may not understand all the sacrifices I have made until he is older, and that is OK."
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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