This mom spent years toiling in the retail industry. Then a bad marriage and nasty divorce turned life on its heels for her and her two daughters. She had to leave, to protect her girls from abuse.

“We had to start over with hardly anything,” the mother told Christmas for All.

Just as the little family was stabilizing, the mom injured her knee and could no longer do the type of work she’d always done.

She’s still dealing with her injury and waiting for approval for knee surgery.

She went back to school, attending college full-time with the hope of becoming qualified for better paying work that won’t be a problem in the future with her knee troubles. She’s working about 19 hours per week, and barely making ends meet.

“I would forever be grateful for any help to give my daughters a Christmas they deserve since I can’t do it financially … I promise to pay it forward when I get money, to help other families.”

This is the 32nd year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of people like this during the holiday season.

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.

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.

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 are tax-deductible and 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 goo.gl/WospPG.