PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL From rock bottom to recovery
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.
He served his country, beat cancer and fulfilled a prison sentence after multiple DUIs brought him to rock bottom.
Now, with the grace of redemption, Army veteran "Pete" gives his time to others to help them on their journeys of recovery and offers support and insight to keep them from going down the wrong path.
He worked to change his ways when he was enrolled in Mental Health Court, where he garnered the support of Judge John Mitchell and other program leaders who saw his potential beyond his past.
Pete graduated from Mental Health Court in 2018. He has taken control of his life and has been clean and sober for nearly nine years.
"My biggest achievement is maintaining sobriety after being a hardcore alcoholic my entire life," Pete said.
After graduation, Pete contacted St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho for help with housing and managing his budget. He was proud to regain his driver's license, but his time on the road is limited as he faces health challenges with his lungs, heart and eyes.
As someone who does not like to ask for help for himself, Pete came to the conclusion he needed a motorized wheelchair but would need financial assistance to acquire one.
Pete insisted on paying for what he could. He made an agreement to make small monthly payments directly to the vendor and Press Christmas for All picked up the rest.
St. Vincent de Paul Social Services manager Annie Parker said Pete has never relapsed, even when he experiences mental or physical struggles.
"To see him utilizing skills that we have taught him, that probation taught him, that Mental Health Court taught him, is tremendous," she said.
The wheelchair has been a huge boost.
"When Christmas for All got him this wheelchair, it was lifechanging. You see him buzzing around with his dog on his lap," Parker said. "It's just amazing. He’s constantly taking other residents under his wing and helping them."
Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All and every penny 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.
A heartfelt thanks to our recent donors
Angela Miranda, Patricia Bennett & Mahlon Priest, Marty & Julie Westbrook, Kathleen Austin, Deborah Kerr, Rhonda Schultz, Malia Nogle, Robert & Betty Schwarzkopf, Philip & Joan Noel, Longwell + Trapp Architects aka LTA Architects, P J & Robert Davis, David & Kristine Wold, Ann & Len Ganote, Del & Deloyd Hicks, L.I. Grutta, Robert & Carole Smith, Larry & Laura Mindt, Lennis McLeod, Leslie & Larry Wilde, Jim & Jerre Coleman, Laurie Morton, Sandra Kay, Jeff & Sandy Medved, Mary & Dennis Casey, David & Loretta Ackerman, Gary & Sandra Sonnen, David Carneiro, John & Patti Dixon, Jerry & Elizabeth Rose, Catherine Tinder
