PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Assistance lights up widow's holiday
Amid grief and medical problems that limit what she can do, 79-year-old “Linda” carries on a quiet, spiritual life.
“I have lived, laughed and loved,” she said.
With no family left after the death of her beloved son, Linda has just one companion: her “furry baby,” a dog named Hanson.
“I want to be able to live independently as long as I can with just the creature comforts of life,” she said.
Two back surgeries left Linda with physical challenges. She also lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite these difficulties, she maintains a social life and stays as active as possible.
“I love to garden and take care of my home,” she said.
When Linda’s 26-year-old furnace gave out, she didn’t have the money to repair it on her modest Social Security income.
Community Action Partnership recommended Linda to Christmas for All, with staff noting her determination to be self-sufficient even in the face of medical and financial difficulties. Linda has been a hard worker all her life. In the past, she owned a styling business where she worked long hours.
“She has never utilized our services, even though she would qualify,” one staff member wrote to Christmas for All. “She does all she can to be a productive member of her community in spite of her challenges.”
Christmas for All provided assistance to pay for repairs to Linda’s furnace, giving her the gift of warmth when she needed it most.
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 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.
RECENT DONORS
In honor of Greyson & Ashton Owens; Bill & Sue & Ben Sturgeon; Mark Whitt; Randy & Jane Thomas; Robert & Betty Schwarzkopf; Linda Young; Susan Sawhill; Julia Shea; Brian & Margaret Reparuk; Charlotte E Von Sprecken; Peter Rau; Sherry & Dennis Irish; David & Valerie Hodge; Scott & Susie Kindler; Paul & Beverly McCabe; Robert & Connie Bitter; George & Connie Brinkmann; Margie Wise; Louise Rossi; Brian & Janice Odenthal; James & Christine Brittain; Jim Walden & Nancy Brown
$500 or MORE
Morgan Ford/Virginia Shawver