After housing paperwork fell through and the mother of his children sent him packing, one single dad is struggling to recover his life.

"She broke up with me after nine years and kicked me out," the dad said.

They were living on the streets and working on securing a low-income housing unit. He was supposed to be left off the agreement because of his work situation, but it all became a mess and his significant other decided she'd had enough.

"It started out I went and got a title loan on my car so I could put a roof over my kids' head," he said, explaining they had just been approved for a place. "I was told I couldn't live there because of something that happened eight or nine years ago. Once that happened, my kids' mom said she didn't want to deal with me anymore."

Half of his personal belongings were left in the apartment, where he is no longer welcome. The other half of his possessions, including his grandfather's ashes, were in a storage unit that went to auction.

"I got stuck with nothing," he said. "Now I live in a friend's backyard."

The dad has full custody of his 4-year-old boy while the other two children live with their mom. The dad and son now live in a camper while the dad struggles to provide for the boy.

"It would mean the world to me," he said of giving his little guy a special Christmas.

This is the 31st year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child. The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is a common factor.

Through Christmas for All, these less fortunate neighbors feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d’Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Online donations can be made by visiting cdapress.com/christmas_for_all.

Donations are also accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.

Recent donors: Steve and Julie Hudson; Anonymous; Ada May Foster; Paul and Lisa Ferguson; Cecil and Patricia Booth; Bill and Donna Armbruster (Grampy and Nana) in memory of Tyler Cordle; Dwayne and Anita Moore; Ron and Sandy McCoy and Staci; Joe and Diane Dahlheim; Katherine and Victor Eachon; Mary Lou Wilson, in memory of Paul Wilson; Barbara Hudson; D.L. and S. Nussear; Edward and Susan Leach; Roberta Manley, in memory of Oliver Manley; Anonymous; Diana, James and Chad Whaley; Beta Sigma Phi-Laureate ETA Chapter; Larry and Bobbie Wolf.

$500 and over: Dan and Linda Green; Robert and Marilyn Hunt; The Schaffer-Locke Family Trust.