As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them.

The last three years have been tough for “Deirdre,” a single mom of six. After her former husband was imprisoned for harming one of their children, she and her kids became homeless while living in Post Falls.

Family Promise of North Idaho helped Deirdre and her children find shelter. Deidre also enrolled in classes at North Idaho College.

She knew low-paying jobs with unpredictable schedules like the ones she’d been working wouldn’t bring her family the stability they needed. But she worried juggling parenting, school and work would be too much.

“My family are all very smart people,” she said. “I grew up thinking I was dumb until I started college and realized I’m not.”

A self-described hustler by nature, Deirdre has a knack for computers and a passion for business. She’s halfway through an associate’s degree in business and computer science and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree after she graduates from NIC.

“I love a good challenge,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s because of my life situation, but I’m very good at damage control and problem solving.”

While homeless, Deirdre fell behind on car payments and lost the family’s only vehicle. After all they’d been through and all Deidre’s work to create a better situation, it was a devastating blow.

“I thought my schooling was over,” she said. “I have all these kids and we can’t get to the doctor and we can’t get to the grocery store.”

But just before Christmas last year, she got a call that changed everything.

After a referral from NIC’s Center for New Directions, which helps single parents and displaced homemakers as they pursue an education, Christmas for All connected Deirdre with a reliable minivan. The program also provided gift cards for gas and groceries.

It was a Christmas miracle for a family that had endured great hardship.

“I will never, ever take that for granted,” Deirdre said.

Her dream is to become financially stable enough that she can provide for her family and give back to the community that has supported her in her time of need. She expressed gratitude to the donors and volunteers who make it possible for Christmas for All to help people like her.

“I don’t think I would be in school if they hadn’t intervened on behalf of my family,” she said.

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. Christmas for All is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

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 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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