After struggling with substance abuse and homelessness, single mom “Serena” has gone from rock bottom to a safe, stable home with her two young kids.

“We had lost our apartment due to my drug use,” Serena said. “We stayed with family here and there, but it didn’t end well.”

Three years ago, Serena got sober. But she continued couch surfing with her children, until she got into the St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho women’s shelter.

“My life changed so much for the better,” she said.

Serena had only been living at the shelter for about a month when she was asked to become a house manager. She was also in outpatient treatment for substance abuse at the time, which she successfully completed.

“I opened up to other shelter guests about addiction and felt I helped,” she said.

Since then, Serena has continued to build a foundation for her family. She has maintained her sobriety for three years. She also has gained housing and works for St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, helping with the shelters.

“I have taken on an amazing job that I love so much and would have never imagined I would have the opportunity to do,” she said.

After a recommendation from St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, Christmas for All helped Serena pay for new brakes for her family’s only vehicle.

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.