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PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Single dad rebuilding life with son

by PRESS STAFF
| December 18, 2022 1:06 AM

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.

"There is no greater love than that of a father for his son," author Dan Brown once wrote. This love is evident between "Timothy" and his boy.

Mental health issues tormented single dad Timothy as he struggled with addiction and recovery. This cycle separated father from child when Timothy suffered a relapse in 2021 and his son was taken into foster care.

"I was lost," Timothy said.

Timothy entered Mental Health Court and made great strides with one goal in mind — to be reunited with his son.

He has found peace in sobriety. He has his GED and has been working full time. The main obstacle for Timothy has been finding affordable housing. Child Protective Services is willing to return his son once he has a place they can both permanently call home.

After working with Mental Health Court and Charity Reimagined, Press Christmas for All arranged to pay his deposits to rent a fifth wheel. Timothy reported he has secured an RV space and is expecting to be in the fifth wheel as early as today.

“I’m excited," he said. "It’s one step closer to getting my son."

He expressed his gratitude to the program and its partners for helping him accomplish so much and rebuild his relationship with his son.

"I didn't know what to do. I was ready to give up, to the sense that it's pointless," he said. "But there are people that believed in me and reached out to Christmas for All. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be moving forward. I’d be stagnant."

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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