Three teens and a baby in the house and the need for a safe haven have turned this family upside down.

The frantic mother of three and grandmother of one wrote to Press Christmas for All that providing for everyone at this point in time wasn't exactly the plan.

"My oldest daughter has a 6-month-old baby that lives with us too," the matron said. "My daughter was living with and engaged to the man she just had a baby with. He was very abusive and she finally couldn't take any more for their daughter's sake, so she left him and got a restraining order."

The daughter pressed charges against her ex, who now refuses to help with the baby. The new mom now has full custody.

This much-needed escape from a domestically dangerous situation landed the new mom on her parents' doorstep, with no money, no car and nowhere to go.

"My husband and I have been having a very hard time trying to makes ends meet," the matron said. "Before my daughter moved back in it was hard enough trying to keep up on things with my youngest daughter and my son. Now that they're living with us, it's even harder."

The matron works, but her wages don't cover all of the bills. They receive a little help from family members to cover the rest.

Her husband was recently laid off and has been looking for work to no avail.

"As it is right now, we don't have enough money for presents," she said. "My family and I would be very grateful to have some help this 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:

Robert and Teresa Shaw; David and Elsie Casteel; Johnny and Christine Powell; Diane and Robert Martin; Pat and Bev Tebo; Anonymous; in memory of Reece, by JoAnn Solberg; Paul and Shirley Binfield; Anonymous; Jeffrey Harrison, in memory of our parents; Betsy Hawkins and George Butterfield; Jamie Danish; Janet and Tim Kavran; Carol and Hugh Maloney; Gary and Judy Freeland; Laura K.; Gary and Donna Monroe; Bartlett Family; Daryl Wilson, in memory of Susan Wilson; Richard Nimtz; K.V. and JoAnn Nelson; Allen and Norma Valdridge; James White Cavage; Cricket Pierce; Jack Schnabl, in memory of Marjorie.