PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: A heart for the homeless
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.
“Ben” has dedicated his life to serving others.
“I’m an alcoholic,” he said, as frank as he is humble. “I wanted to give back. I had taken quite a bit in life. I decided I wasn’t going to do that anymore.”
That was 12 years ago. Ben credits his faith in God for helping him maintain his sobriety.
“Without Him, I never would’ve made it 12 days,” he said.
Ben works for a local nonprofit as an outreach worker. There’s not a lot of money in the field, but it’s not about money for him. Instead, it’s all about helping the homeless.
“I work with the homeless exclusively,” Ben said.
A big part of that work is helping homeless community members move from one place to another or into housing, as well as shuttling them to warming centers when buses don’t have enough room.
Ben also drives people to medical appointments, gives them rides to work and helps them get anywhere else they need to go.
Last winter, Ben’s vehicle was totaled in a wreck. He used the insurance payout to buy another truck, but it needed work.
“I didn’t feel comfortable hauling anybody,” he said.
Christmas for All paid for the repairs — a gift that didn’t just help Ben. Donations from the community also helped the many homeless people in Kootenai County who rely on Ben.
He’s not keen to talk about himself, preferring to focus on the purpose he’s found.
“I really just do God’s work,” Ben said. “Wherever He points me is what I do.”
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
Lillian Jaynes & Terry Rinaldi; Leslie & Larry Wilde; Connie Cox-Wesson; In Memory of Steve Wesson; Anonymous; Rosemary McGrath; Ronald Richardson; Eileen & Robert Ickes; Bob & Reek Kasun