PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Mechanic shop steps up for mom with tough break

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them.

Driving through the region's steep mountain ranges can be stressful, especially with little ones in the car.

That stress was only exacerbated for mom of five "Amy" when her vehicle's serpentine belt broke while traveling with her three youngest children.

“It was a real emergency situation," Amy told Press Christmas for All. "We were stuck up on the pass."

The vehicle was towed, which added financial stress to an already unfortunate situation.

"It was at a time when not having a car would have been rough," Amy said. "I have twin 2-year-olds and my 6-year-old."

Amy is raising her younger children on her own while living at Union Gospel Mission and working to regain custody of two older children, ages 13 and 8, who live out of state. She is striving to leave behind a past weighed down by substance abuse, addiction and mental health struggles. She is eager to reunite her family and carve out a better life, for herself and her children.

Amy will graduate from UGM's life recovery program in June. She is also working to pay off debt and rebuild her credit score on a limited income.

When Amy and her kids needed to be rescued from the mountains and work on the car was imminent, new Press Christmas for All business partner Masterminds Auto Repair stepped up.

"The mechanic who helped us was amazing," Amy said. "They kept the cost down. They got my car in and put it ahead of their schedule and were able to get it done really fast." 

Referring partner Kirsten Ridgewell of UGM said secure, reliable transportation is imperative for Amy's success.

"This has helped her to be able to get her kids to appointments and run necessary errands and keep her family safe while she’s working on herself," Ridgewell said.

She said the pros at Masterminds went above and beyond to quickly repair the belt for a reasonable price.

"They just went out of their way to take care of her and they squeezed her in because they knew she had these little kids," Ridgewell said. "They did an outstanding job. They were super friendly and helpful. I very highly recommend them — that’s where we get all our car repairs."

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 and make a secure online donation.

• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.