PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Community gift saves family from homelessness
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.
“Rebecca,” a widowed mom of three, has survived crises that would put anyone to the test — and then dug even deeper, finding the strength and courage to go back to school and build a better future for her family.
After her husband died by suicide, Rebecca learned of the debt he’d put their family in.
“It was me and three kids trying to survive,” she said.
To make matters worse, the house Rebecca’s family had rented for 16 years was sold, forcing them to move. With a poor credit score and in a competitive rental market, she struggled to find a new place to rent. She was at risk of becoming homeless with her children, two of whom live with severe disabilities.
“I’d rather feed them and get the gas to go to their therapy appointments than feed myself,” she said.
At last, Rebecca found a place that would accept her, but she needed to pay $4,000 upfront to cover a large deposit and two months’ rent. It seemed hopeless — but help was on the way.
The Center for New Directions at North Idaho College, where Rebecca is studying early childhood education, connected her with Press Christmas for All. Through community donations, the program paid the deposit for the apartment, securing a stable home for Rebecca’s family.
“Christmas for All came through and saved us from being homeless,” she said.
The family moved into their new home in August.
While she continues her studies at NIC, Rebecca works two jobs, including one as a teaching assistant in a kindergarten classroom. After she graduates from NIC, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Lewis-Clark State College, on the Coeur d’Alene campus.
She said her successes wouldn’t be possible without help from others.
“Community is what helped us,” she said. “We are very, very thankful to Christmas for All.”
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.