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

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After tragedy changed their lives forever, this disabled grandmother is raising her grandson.

“Irene” became the guardian of “Nathan” after his mother was murdered several years ago. Nathan’s father is in and out of prison.

“Things have changed so much,” Irene said. “I’m learning right along with him. It’s been a joy.”

But along with joy come many challenges. Irene is disabled; some days, she’s physically unable to leave the house. In those times, she said, Nathan helps her.

Irene’s budget is tight enough that she often sacrifices her own needs for her grandson’s.

“I don’t want to say we go without, because God’s abundant blessings can’t be beat,” she said. “But financially, it’s been very difficult. I’ve always put him first.”

The biggest obstacle Irene faces is a financial one. Her car needs major repairs valued around $900 — money she simply doesn’t have. At times, she can get around with a bike, but a working car is a necessity for her family.

“It’s hard asking for help,” she said. “But you have to reach out sometimes, because your kid deserves the very best.”

Irene said she never has to worry about Nathan — he’s a good student who plays sports, participates in extracurricular activities and is active in his church.

In addition to traveling for daily necessities, one of the reasons Irene needs a functional car is so Nathan can get to his activities and so he can learn to drive next year.

“He’s a blessing,” she said.

Assistance from Press Christmas for All would take a weight off Irene and allow her to focus on what matters most in her life: Nathan.

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.

Here’s who contributed recently:

Mark Whitt; Rebecca Sputhe; Larry and Sharon Strobel; Maragaret Smith; David and Valerie Hodge; Louise and Robert Bluhm; Larry and Laura Mindt; Clayton and Candy Cope; Mike and Mary Friedrich; Bill and Pam Pratt; Kathleen Austin, In Memory of Ted

Donations $500 or more:

Lakers INN Inc.; Cheryl and Jesse Isbel, In Memory of My Mother Lorraine Ratto; Susanna & John Aalbers, MD