This mother of four is doing everything she can to provide for her children after leaving an abusive marriage.

“I do receive child support, and that is only enough to pay the bills and no extra for Christmas presents,” the mother told Christmas for All. “The stress of that is rough and I really do not want my babies to feel left out with nothing under the tree for them.”

The children’s father is not a consistent presence in their lives, the mom said. And when he does want to be with his kids, he “causes more damage.”

Two of her children, ages 4 and 6, struggle with post traumatic stress disorder “due to the trauma we went through with their dad being mentally, verbally, emotionally and physically abusive with us,” she said. Her 4-year-old was also diagnosed on the autism sensory spectrum, and she herself has been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. Her 6-year-old appears to have developed oppositional defiant disorder stemming from the PTSD, she said.

“I am doing the best I know how to do. I would love to provide a decent Christmas for my babies,” she said, on her application for help from the holiday charity campaign. “Thank you all, who donate and support families for this organization during these holiday hardships.”

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, and 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.

Recent donors:

Jim and Pam Alexander: The Nussears; Richard and Shirlee Wandrocke; Bonnie McDowell “In Memory of husband George, son Randy, parents Cleve & Addie Gaine (they worked with the Lions Club before Christmas For All was started)”; Thomas and Connie Dunn “In Memory of L.J. & Mary Ann Novack”; Jack Schnavel “In Memory of Marjorie”; Roberta Manley “In Memory of Oliver Manley”; Laureate ETA PL 582; Diana, James & Chad Whaley; David and Elsie Casteel; Thomas and Stephanie Koennel; Bernie Sanders; James Kehrer.