PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Family makes it work through trying times

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

This is the story of a family of five that has tirelessly worked to overcome life's obstacles and make the best of their situation.

At least three times in their lives, "Lena," "Pete" and the kids — all ages 10 and younger — have experienced homelessness.

Most recently, they lived for a few months in a trailer on a friend's property.

"It’s chaotic, small, especially in the winter time," Lena said. "There's no room. The kids can’t play outside. It didn’t have a bathroom, didn't have running water. But we made it work."

Finally, after relentlessly searching, they found a place to rent in rural North Idaho, where they have built a home for themselves.

Their troubles didn't end there.

Pete works in Bonner County, so the family bought a used car so he could drive to work and leave a vehicle with Lena and the kids.

That car proved to be a lemon, immediately requiring a major repair the family could not afford.

"At that point, I wouldn't even put my kids in it," Lena said. "I was stuck driving my husband's car, instead of our family vehicle that could fit all of our kids."

With a recommendation from North Idaho College's Head Start program, Press Christmas for All pitched in to pay for the repair so Pete and Lena could continue to give their kids a good life.

"It saved us a few months' worth of money due to the fact that they helped us fix it," Lena said. "It did get us through a really good rough patch."

She said she loves Press Christmas for All.

"I think it's awesome," Lena said. "You guys have made it better by changing the way you do it. You guys are able to help in a bigger way for certain families. I would recommend it for anybody."

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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