PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Glasses help new mom on path to success

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.

Wanderlust felt like a necessity for "Gwyneth," a 35-year-old single mother of a toddler.

She traveled the world for many years, frequently moving and trying different experiences. This included her academic journey; she many times started college in one major and left for another college and a different major.

"She now realizes that what she originally thought of as wanderlust was really a 'flight' response as she attempted to leave depression and hopelessness behind," Gwyneth's Press Christmas for All applicant story states. "She also realizes that her frequent switch of college and majors was due to a state of 'freeze' — feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities and fear of not choosing the right path."

This all changed when Gwyneth became a mom. She temporarily moved back home with her parents after leaving an unhealthy relationship with the baby's father, but she's excited about this new season in her life.

"She is incredibly grateful to the Center for New Directions at North Idaho College for helping her put all the pieces together," her story reads.

The new mom will soon finish her program at NIC and plans to pursue a communications degree at Lewis-Clark State College in the spring.

"Gwyneth is proud that she has grown in her self-confidence, enrolled at LCSC and has been able to take good care of her daughter," Press Christmas for All referring partner Louisa Rogers shared in Gwyneth's applicant story.

Gwyneth's old eyeglasses worked for short periods but were not sufficient for the amount of time she must spend reading for school. Through Press Christmas for All, Gwyneth was awarded an eye exam and new glasses to help her achieve her goals and more clearly see the successful academic path before her.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. Money raised goes directly to Kootenai County residents.

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.