This dad says it's hard for him to feel any joy this holiday season. He's worn from the stress of trying to find work and provide a stable home for himself and his son, a 13-year-old with special needs. The boy has several behavioral disorders, along with developmental disabilities, and requires constant supervision.

The dad has been raising his son alone for the past four years. The child's mother is now married to another man and living in another state.

"It's hard for him. He only sees his mom a couple times a year. He misses her," the dad said.

It's difficult for the father too. He has had a tough time maintaining steady employment because his child's needs often conflict with work hours.

They became homeless about a year ago and spent some time "couch-surfing" among various family members, the dad said. They moved into a low-income apartment a few months ago. The father is doing some work from home, but the income is very limited and inconsistent.

"I got real depressed there for a while. I still get down sometimes, but we're doing better,"the father told Press Christmas for All. "Christmas isn't fun when you can't do anything for your kid, especially when things are already a mess. This program is a real blessing. Thank you."

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

Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County 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 27th 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, with assistance from North Idaho College employee volunteers, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards from Shopko or Super 1 Foods, local retailers who also generously support the program. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To give, 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.

Donations can be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com

Marcia & Michael Wall; John & Mary Black; Jeff & Kathi Coulter; Wayne & Vicky Hudlemeyer; Anonymous; Anonymous; Tim & Paula Austin (In memory of our son, Devon); Michael & Nola Hawley; Louise & Robert Bluhm; Fred & Sandy Ambrose; W. & Mary Robinette; R. Bruce & Judith Owens; Linda Nelson; Lorraine Olsheski; Joe & Jessie Jordahl; Douglas & Christa Elli; Dave & Jane Sandre; Jim & Donna Runge; Dorothy & Marianne Benson; Joseph & Marylou Dion; Collin & Holly Coles; James & Ginger Lich; Paulann Eggen; Phillip & Sonia Morgan; David & Janis Fenton; Holly Stetson; James & Robt Elgee; Dennis & Katherine Wilson; Barbara Harris; Parker & Kay Woodall; Robert & Helen Hall; Hayden Car Wash LLC, Barbara Crumpacker; Brenda Christiensen; Richard & Marilyn Croy; Anonymous; Preferred Card Services Inc; Lake City Ford Lincoln, Inc; CDF Landscape Professionals, Inc; Roger & Pamela Rowland.

Notes from

our donors

Please accept this pittance of money. I am living on $900 per month, but I have family who let me live with them for cheap. Otherwise, I would be homeless since I lost my job, then my home in 2010.

I am disabled and a senior. I feel so bad for the people whose stories you print. Please use this little bit to help someone, and God bless you.

- Judie Derby

Enclosed is a donation from the elementary secretaries in Coeur d'Alene School District 271. We are hoping this donation will help Christmas for All brighten the lives of a few families this year. Thanks for all you are doing - it is greatly appreciated!

- Sheri Erickson