PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Single mom builds bright future

Single mom “Rosa” is, in a word, resourceful.

She was just 20 years old when she had her son. Struggling to get by with no family support, her situation felt hopeless. But Rosa is determined to create a bright future.

“She has unlimited potential to reach all of her goals if given an opportunity,” a nurse home visitor with Panhandle Health District said of Rosa. “I can attest that she is a stable, hardworking single mom that is trying her very best to improve her life for herself and her beautiful son.”

Rosa works full-time at a day care center so she can be with her now 3-year-old son as much as possible. The job pays just $10 an hour, so she babysits and delivers food in the off hours for additional income.

“I’m not able to afford a lot of the things that my family needs,” she said.

Rosa knows she’ll need a higher-paying and more secure job to provide for her son as he gets older. She recently enrolled at North Idaho College and is working to find a paid internship in order to explore a career.

After a recommendation from Panhandle Health District, Christmas for All provided Rosa with grocery gift cards. This allowed her to spend her limited funds on other necessities, like clothes for her growing toddler, gas to get to campus and school supplies.

“It has helped immensely,” she said.

Each year, Press readers generously donate 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

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