As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of some of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.

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This widowed mom is struggling to get by after her husband’s death.

She was previously a stay-at-home mom. Now she’s the sole provider for five young children: three she had with her late husband, as well as two stepchildren. The oldest child is 8, and the youngest only 4.

“I’m just trying to keep everybody together,” she told Press Christmas for All. “Trying to make ends meet is really tough.”

These days, she’s working long hours to earn half of what her family lived on before. Arranging for childcare that fits her work schedule is a challenge.

“We’re living a completely different life,” she said. “Losing my spouse changed everything for me.”

After bills and other necessities, the mom has only managed to scrape together $28 to spend on Christmas gifts for her five kids.

Though the children have been resilient in the face of tragedy, it’s hard for them to accept this “new normal.”

“The kids need their dad,” the mom said. “He was a huge part of their lives. It’s been extremely hard to adjust.”

This is the 33rd 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 gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. They are barely making ends meet and they do not qualify for other holiday charity programs.

Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common factor. But through Christmas for All, they 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.

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 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on the menu on the left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.

To make a donation by phone using your credit card, call 208-664-8176.

RECENT DONORS:

Kathy and Don Robson, in memory of our daughter, Denise; Hank and Besty Martin; J.B. and Dorothy Benoit; Donald and Maxine Schierman; Brian and Liz Barnes; Gene Neely; Jean and John Willard; Barbara Hudson; Stephanie Koennel; Ken and Dee Dee Koep; Teri Smith; Anne Sedwick; Mark and Darlene Nason; Dale Curley; Bob and Mary Nuttelman; Bary Button; Dale, Sharon and David Scott Andersen; Ronald and Linda Klein; Kenneth Olsen; John and Wilma Ednie; Teresa and James Jamerson; Charles and Marialyce Miller; Martha Ann Sandstrom; Marilyn Freeman; Michael and Kathleen Brown; M.R. and N.V. Blakely; Glennda Burzynski; Margaret Flamand; Willette Hanson; Nancy Ladyman; F.R. and Laura Ulrich; Norman and Linda Lewis; William Tarnasky; Vern and Marje Peterson in Loving Memory of Dustin J.C. Peterson; Jennifer and Howie Stalwick in Memory of Bill and Denn Stalwick.

OVER $500 CLUB:

John and Betsy McTear to honor all U.S. military and all first responders; Don and Sally Allen.