A mom who lost everything is now struggling to provide a little Christmas joy for her four young children as she rebuilds her life with them.

"This last June we lost our home of seven years," she said. "We lived in our van for a while until my van broke down and became unable to repair without maxing out what it was worth."

With no vehicle or place to stay, the mom had to give up her kids, all under 10 years old, while she lived on the streets.

They are now together again in a center for women and children while this mother works to put their family life back together.

"We have lost everything we owned and are slowly healing and building our life back from scratch," the mom said. "Any help would be appreciated."

Until she has a reliable vehicle again, she takes cabs to get to work.

"Taxis take up my weekly income in just a few rides...we would be so appreciative for any assistance or even

suggestions of what to do,” she said.

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: Jim and Marian Lynn; Catherine and John Romantic; Bonnie McDowell, in memory of my husband George and son Randy; Rebecca Martin; Bill and Val Wolfe; Dave and Reva Nickelson; Kathy and Russell DiBiase; Anonymous, in honor of Christ Jesus; Scott and Holly McNee; Ray Gotz; David and Kathleen Kuntz; James and Julia Mangan; Peter and Renate Rau; Edith Brehm, in loving memory of Daniel Brehm; Vic and Connie Walters; John and Carolyn Willoughby; Stacy Carson; Roy and Kay Wellman; Dale and Sharon Anderson Family; Nancy and Dallas Bookamer; Sandra Sonnen; Gary and Susan Daigh; Gwynneth Andrus; Thomas and Sally Stuber; W. Wray Wilson; Vern and Marje Peterson, in memory of our grandson Dustin J.C. Peterson; Kathy Anderson; Kathryn Hunt; Daniel Gookin.