A lot of people, a lot of problems

One family is struggling under the weight of extra people in the household and serious medical problems.

"Everything has gone wrong recently for me and my family," a stressed-out woman told Press Christmas for All. "We have one daughter but there are seven of us here now."

The woman and her husband have recently taken in her 10-year-old niece and 12-year-old nephew as their parents are in the service and have been deployed.

They all live with the husband's mom and dad, who are in their 80s and 90s and need family members around to care for them.

On top of a house bursting at the seams, the husband and wife both have medical issues and don't have adequate incomes to provide a merry Christmas for their family.

"My husband was injured at work and hasn't been working. He just started getting disability. I have become sick and need surgery at the beginning of the year and haven't been working," the woman said. "I just want everyone to have a good 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: Rhoda and Clifford Schlehuber; John Hartnett; Pauline Wilson; Ron and Toni Clundt; Dennis and Teresa Wolfe; Frances Love, "Make Grace Happen"; Ronald and Linda Klein; Joan Word; Theresa and Wesley Woods; Betty Cheeley; Al Glose; David and Patricia Hoskins; Charlene Halfhide; Gladys Benson; Anonymous; Kenneth and Karen Moore;

Over $500: Kootenai Charities Inc.; Anonymous.