PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Laptop a lifeline for NIC student

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is one of them.

"Danny" was homeless, but not at all hopeless.

He fulfilled a rental lease on good terms, but still owed money to a different property management company, which barred him from obtaining a new lease. He wound up living in his car last year.

"Despite my homelessness, I achieved keeping my job for one year and finished online schooling with North Idaho College," Danny said.

He became certified in his field of study, determined to stay committed to his career path despite uncertain circumstances. As he struggled through housing challenges, his main priorities were staying warm, going to school and continuing to work.

When his laptop went on the fritz, he reached out to Press Christmas for All for help.

"A new battery for my laptop would be helpful to do my work," he said.

With a recommendation from St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, Press Christmas for All gifted Danny a new laptop so he could keep a lifeline to his goals.

"It's been a great thing," Danny said. "It helped me with my job, and it helped me with online classes so I can move forward, move upward. I'm thankful."

Danny said things are a little better now.

"I'm renting a room now," he said. "I'm not living in my car."

However, his mom unexpectedly passed away earlier this year, so his family is struggling to recover from the loss.

"This year has been real hard," Danny said. "It was a big blow for the family. It’s really, really hard for us. It's our first Christmas without her. She left a big hole in our hearts."

Despite the grief of losing someone so close, Danny expressed deep gratitude to St. Vincent de Paul and Press Christmas for All for helping him not lose sight of his future.

"Thank you for all your help," he said. "I really truly appreciate it."

Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. 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, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity 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.

Here are four ways to donate:

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

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

• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2022 and make a secure, online donation.

• 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.

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