Not long ago, this dad and mom were among the helpers. They weren't rich, but they had enough, and regularly assisted various charity programs.

Now, they need some assistance for themselves and their five kids.

"It was hard for my wife and I to go from helping the food bank to asking for help," he said.

The family's financial situation began to deteriorate more than a year ago, after the husband was laid off from his management position. Eventually, he found another job, which brought hope the family would soon be back on financial stable ground.

Then, the dad was seriously injured last summer, and has since been physically unable to work full-time.

In addition to a hurt back and a smashed shoulder, which now has pins in it, the dad now has about $70,000 in unpaid medical bills. Most of that will be covered by insurance, he said, but it will likely take several years to settle everything.

He is now receiving partial disability, $250 per week, which doesn't go far.

With no other options in sight, the dad said they had to get a title loan on the wife's van a few months ago.

"We had to hock our wedding rings and everything else we could," he said.

They're doing everything they can to pay the interest, so they don't lose their rings.

"I'm so glad for Christmas for All. That will get something for the kids," he said.

The family's situation is even more stressful because two of the children have type 1 diabetes, requiring regular trips to a Spokane hospital for treatment.

The family's remaining vehicle broke down recently.

"I can't come up with $300 or $400 dollars for a steering column right now," he said.

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.

Last year, our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of families in need.

Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.

Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.

Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 26th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards for Shopko and Super 1. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To donate, please send a check to:

Press Christmas for All

201 Second St.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.

Recent donors include: Pauline Wilson, M.C. Bourland, JR. & Edith L. Ferguson; Clifford Agar, In Loving Memory of Kay Agar; Anonymous

Family of two Share your story

If you asked for help from Press Christmas for all this holiday season, you can still help others by sharing your story with a reporter. Call or email Maureen Dolan, (208)664-8176 ext. 2005 or mdolan@cdapress.com.