PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Widow raises grandkids, cares for ailing mom

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 the story of a widow who raises her grandchildren and cares for her elderly mother without additional support.

When “Diane” was widowed in 2015, she was left alone to raise her twin girls, who had just entered high school. Within a year, her mother’s health deteriorated so much that she had to move in with Diane.

In 2020, Diane took in her adult daughter and grandchildren after they fled an abusive home. The abuse left the family with trauma from which they’re still healing.

With Diane’s oldest daughter now incarcerated, Diane has legal guardianship over her grandchildren. She receives no child support and doesn’t qualify for other forms of assistance.

“I make just enough but not enough,” she said. “The last three years I find myself just hanging on by a thread.”

Diane is under enormous pressure as she works full-time to provide for her grandchildren and cares for her her ailing mother, who has dementia.

But after a recommendation from Heritage Health, Press Christmas for All was able to lighten the load, paying summer camp tuition for Diane’s 10-year-old granddaughter “Hannah.”

Hannah’s behavioral health challenges make it unsafe for her to stay home alone while Diane works, but all-day childcare is prohibitively expensive and hard to find. The help from Press Christmas for All came as a relief.

“I had peace of mind knowing she was in a safe place and learning and growing with other people,” Diane said. “She fell in love with the church camp. It really helped me to be able to send her there the whole summer.”

Diane said she’s grateful for donations from the community that make it possible for Press Christmas for All to help families like hers. North Idaho, she said, is a special place.

“It’s the people,” she said. “So many communities are disconnected and I have come across so many giving, thoughtful people.”

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 2023 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.