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

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In their 13 years together, “Roger” and “Laura” have been through more challenges than many couples.

The couple — both addicted to IV drugs — were separated by a three-year prison sentence but remained committed to one other. Just a few years ago, they were homeless and using drugs. Then they walked into the 2nd Street Commons in Coeur d’Alene.

“I was a non-believer at that point, really struggling,” Roger said. “I found Jesus here. My life started to transform.”

They’re now clean for three years, and they’re striving to help other people in the same situation to turn their lives around.

In addition to working full time, Roger and Laura both volunteer between 25 and 40 hours a week at the 2nd Street Commons. One of their missions is to help people acquire the documents they need in order to work, such as birth certificates and IDs, which is a challenge for the homeless.

“It’s hard to get a job when you’re dragging bags with no money and no access to a shower,” Roger said.

Laura runs an annual clothing drive. She also delivers food to struggling families who can’t get to the food bank. Nobody leaves the 2nd Street Commons cold, dirty or hungry — not if she has her way.

“Life’s hard enough,” she said. “We make it harder on ourselves. Jesus is the answer.”

Roger said he also credits their personal success to support from their community.

“You lose hope,” he said. “It’s too big of a mountain to climb. It takes people believing in you for you to even take those first steps.”

That’s why he and Laura are committed to giving back: They have personal insight that makes them uniquely qualified to help people who were in similar circumstances.

It’s also why they’ve decided to settle in Coeur d’Alene.

“This is our hometown,” Laura said. “This is where we became addicts. It would be easier to move away, but we decided to rebuild our lives in the place we destroyed them.”

Each morning at the 2nd Street Commons, Roger and Laura serve breakfast to 20-60 people before 8 a.m. In the winter, they often head out before the roads have been plowed. They drive through snow and ice to deliver food to struggling families, conditions made even more dangerous because they can’t afford snow tires for their car.

Though they earn enough money to pay their bills, their budget is tight enough that affording groceries can be a struggle. A gift card to a local grocery store would make their holiday season brighter — and less stressful.

No matter what, they remain dedicated to volunteering at the Commons.

“It’s a practical expression of love,” Laura said. “It’s living out what they’re trying to say in the Bible. It’s a home.”

This is the 34th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need. Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level.

The beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:

- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.

- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.