Everything can change in an instant.

That’s what this mother said she’s learned in the last month.

Raising her daughter on her own, this mom, a hardworking legal aid, was unexpectedly laid off in early November when the firm she worked for was purchased by a larger company.

“I barely caught my breath after losing my job, and then we were in a wreck,” the mom told Press Christmas for All. Another driver changed lanes on the interstate and struck her car, sending it off the road. The vehicle was totaled.

“I just remember hearing my 4-year-old scream from the back seat as we slid into the median,” she said.

They went to the hospital, and thankfully, she said, their injuries were minor, just some bumps and bruises.

The mom said she’s not interested in living on unemployment, and she hopes to find another job soon.

She said she often volunteers with a local organization that helps the homeless, and her recent troubles haven’t kept her away from helping others.

“But I’m sad to say, I need some help now myself. My savings have almost run out,” she said. “I would be so grateful for any help I can get from Christmas for All to get my little girl a gift from Santa.”

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: Robert Avon; Audrey Schutz; Dennis and Marie Branden; Parker and Kay Woodall; Richard Lund “In memory of Alene Lund”; Larry and Bobbie Wolf; Carol Stott and Raymond Duff “In memory of my mother Ruth Capellen”; Richard Moore; Ralph and Janice Baker; Kathryn and Victor Eachon Jr; Harold (RET USAF) and Christian Markiewicz; Richard and Sonya Jennings; Charles Davis and Carolyn Mahoney; Carol Yost; Jerry and Merle Jaques “In memory of Janice Goode”; John and Wilma Ednie; James and Richard Westerberg; Paul and Lisa Ferguson; William and Susan Sturgeon; Katherine Hennigan; Michael and Linda Van Cheri; Tina Wikum; Dick and Jean Schmidt.