CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Full custody, full hearts

This Christmas, 3-year-old "Jasper" is excited for what Santa Claus will bring him for being a good boy all year.

"I want a huge robot and a huge monster truck!" he said Friday in a call with The Press.

His mom, "Tiffany," laughed as her little guy shared his joy with the nice lady on the phone.

The single mom and her son have been through a lot together already in his young life. Tiffany had to engage in an ugly years-long legal battle with her abusive ex-boyfriend but was relieved when she finally won full custody of their child.

"My son and I have come a long way in the last three years," she said. "We are really happy now."

Finances are still a challenge for Tiffany and Jasper. Her ex has never paid a dime of child support.

"I haven’t really heard a single thing from him," Tiffany said, "but things have improved since all that happened."

Tiffany worked with Panhandle Health District, who referred her to Press Christmas for All when she needed assistance to put food on the table. Food cards provided by the program helped fill that need.

"It definitely helped out with making sure we had enough to eat," she said. "I definitely appreciated it a lot."

She was happy to report she and Jasper are doing well and says the worst is behind them.

"I'm so blessed to have my son," she said. "He makes the dark days that much better."

She said Press Christmas for All is an awesome program that has helped her the past couple years.

"I feel like you guys help out so many people," she said. "I think it’s great."

Each year, Press readers generously donate 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 including families with young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illness. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but unable to make ends meet, especially with the dramatic increase in the cost of living in Kootenai County.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All maintain their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet. They are asked to pitch in a little bit toward their award to remind them of their capacity and resourcefulness. The “co-pay” is small and calculated on a sliding scale of income, but ensures these neighbors actively participate in their award. 

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp. with assistance from Charity Reimagined.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.

RECENT DONORS

Bill & Judy Drake; In memory of our parents, Betty Strong & Joe Craig, who loved Christmas — from Ann & Mark E. Testroet; Dennis & Sherry White; Robert & Eileen Ickes; In memory of Ken Korczyk; Rosemary McGrath; Antje & Richard Cripe; Robert & Helen Shackelford; Eileen DuHamel; Pete Dirlam; Stephen & Carollane Falcinella; Doug Cresswell; In memory of Joseph Walter & Robert Miles; John & Nancy Runge; James & Joy Drechsel; Rob & Margaret Mathes

$500 OR MORE

 In memory of Tom Robb & Aaron Robb; Kaestner Electric, Inc., Dan & Jan Kaestner