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CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: To be a better man

| December 10, 2023 1:07 AM

His heart is filled with the love of Jesus Christ and his son is proud of him once again.

"Tobias" is happy to report a life in recovery is the only life he wants to lead.

"I'm paying off fines with the state, my probation officer is working to get me off probation at the end of the month," he said. "Since I’ve been sober my life is a whole different thing. It’s a whole different life."

A year in jail was enough for single dad Tobias, who moved into transitional housing and immediately began attending church and searching for meaningful employment upon his release. He soon found permanent housing for himself and his son and was hired as a manager at a local gas station. Now two years sober, he voluntarily completed a 12-week alcohol program and went through counseling to be a better man for himself and his son.

"The last time I was in the Coeur d'Alene Press was not very good. I got quite the bad rap. My drinking was out of control," Tobias said. "Now, I'm my kid's hero again. Jesus is the reason I'm where I'm at now."

Personal demons aside, Tobias has also dealt with physical health issues his whole life. He wound up with carpal tunnel in both wrists at the same time, requiring surgery for each. He had to take more than two weeks off work to recover from the first procedure and will be going in for the next in the near future.

This means time off without pay, which will make a tight situation even tighter.

"It’s a hard world out there," Tobias said, "but when you go with His guidance, it works out gloriously. His grace is what gets us through."

While still in transitional housing, Tobias found himself in the company of Love INC of Kootenai County, a Press Christmas for All referring partner.

"I don't even know how I was guided to Love INC," he said. "Someone said, 'Have you ever tried Love INC?' So I started looking into it."

As he worked toward self-improvement, Love INC connected Tobias with Press Christmas for All, which provided him with firewood, a bed for his son and assistance with his vehicle.

"You guys helped with my truck repairs go get me back on the road," he said. "You guys took care of everything. I’ll be keeping you guys in my heart all season and spreading the word where I can."

Tobias said he prayed to God he would have another chance to make his name better for his son.

"I’m going to keep doing it," he said. "It’s amazing to communicate with the community and to be able today to thank you is a great thing. Now I get to be a positive member of the community."

Each year, Press readers generously donate to Christmas for All. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corporation.

The gift recipients are our neighbors including families with young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working but unable to make ends meet, especially with the dramatic increase in the cost of living in Kootenai County.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet. They are asked to pitch in a little bit toward their award to remind them of their capacity and resourcefulness. The “co-pay” is small and calculated on a sliding scale of income, but ensures these neighbors actively participate in their award. 

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. Christmas for All is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

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 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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