PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Double the babies, double the need
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.
A young couple in love welcomed twin boys into the world this fall.
The road was bumpy as the double baby bump grew, so "Bella" had to quit her job to ensure she could safely carry and deliver two healthy babies. Her husband, "Troy," began working six days a week to make up for lost income.
Troy was soon diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which added another layer of stress to the young family's circumstances. With Troy working overtime, their income was too much to apply for food stamps or other assistance programs. They were literally living paycheck to paycheck.
Before Bella found out she was pregnant, the couple had been living with her parents and dreaming of building their own home. With babies on the way, they had to save everything they could and put their house plans on hold.
Toxicity and abuse began to unfold within the household. The couple decided to move out and live with another family as they worked on stabilizing their mental health and preparing for parenthood. They wanted to bring their boys into the best situation possible.
"Although neither Bella nor Troy are comfortable asking for assistance, they are working to recognize how having support from outside resources could help them move forward from their current situation," Panhandle Health shared in Troy and Bella's applicant story.
Press Christmas for All awarded the couple gift cards for baby items and food cards for groceries as they prepared for the babies to be born, which relieved a lot of financial stress for this young family just trying to stay afloat.
Bella now dotes on her sons as a stay-at-home mom. Troy continues to work as much as possible to support his family, even though it means they cannot qualify for assistance programs.
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.
A heartfelt thanks to our recent donors
In honor of Butch McGee from wife Connie McGee, Cd'A Rifle & Pistol Club Inc., Dr. and Mrs. John Aalbers, Dennis W. White, Diane & Greg Snyder, Doug & Mary Somers, Gary & Arlene Anderson, Kathy Anderson, Kenneth & Donna Casalicchio, Keith & Sandra Matheney, Thomas Sharbono, Robert Vaden & Lisa Wolf, Fred & Shari Gabourie, Cort & Valerie Wilcox, David & Valerie Hodge, Richard Erickson, Constance Koal, in loving memory of David Featherston.
