PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL 'I could not be more thankful'
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help.
This is the story of single mom "Violet," who has overcome more hardships than anyone should have to in one lifetime.
Violet was married at a young age and welcomed her first baby into the world when she herself was still a child. Her daughter was born with a form of cerebral palsy that was a tough situation from the start. As a new mom, she was told her baby would have severe mental challenges.
"This was absolutely devastating for any mother to hear, let alone a 19-year-old with no family support," Violet said.
Her now-ex husband was violent during this pregnancy and continued to be abusive long after baby No. 2 was born. Violet finally found the courage to leave. She said even though her second child was young at the time, both kids continue to experience emotional and psychological fallout from the abuse.
"Since then, I have done all I can for them to make up for the things I failed to protect them from," she said.
Over time, on their own, her daughter made progress with her condition and her son, who struggles with mental health issues, has become an upstanding young man.
"Seventeen years later, things are much better than I could have imagined," Violet said. "My kids have made so much progress and I could not be more thankful."
However, she still has challenges finding consistent child care for her daughter because of her severe disability. When Violet lost her second job, she decided to go back to school. She got her GED and wants to pursue a medical career.
Tires have been on her wish list so she can safely drive to work and take her kiddos where they need to go. The ones she has been driving on are bald.
"It’s like having skis," Violet said. "I thought maybe I could make them last until tax return time."
Thanks to Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined, with a recommendation from North Idaho College's Center for New Directions and the kindness of local donors, Violet is getting new tires for Christmas.
"It is a huge blessing," she said. "I really do appreciate it."
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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