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 woman who overcame substance abuse problems and homelessness in order to be there for her children.

After divorcing her physically abusive husband, “Lisa” struggled to protect her two young children. She said her concerns about her children’s safety were routinely dismissed.

“I was told to step out of the way,” she said. “No one believed me.”

In despair and feeling hopeless to help her kids, Lisa turned to drugs.

“I made choices that put me in prison,” she said. “I got clean, but then my roommate passed away and I relapsed again.”

Lisa spent more than eight months in jail. Her former husband was subsequently imprisoned — this time, for brutally beating his new wife.

After being released from jail and getting sober, Lisa was reunited with her children. But the family was homeless, sleeping in Lisa’s car and on couches.

In 2022, the St. Vincent de Paul women’s shelter accepted Lisa and her children. They later received assistance getting into a place of their own, but Lisa still struggles to make ends meet.

“Without any child support, I am on my own to raise my two children and work a full-time job to keep us afloat,” she said. “With my income, I make sure my children hav everything they need, even if that means I go without.”

St. Vincent de Paul staff who know Lisa well describe her as a hardworking, selfless mother. She holds herself accountable for her past choices and is determined to build a better future for her children.

Lisa is almost two years sober and has completed outpatient drug and alcohol treatment. The only accomplishment she is more proud of is regaining custody of her children.

“Things are looking up for my family,” she said.

After a recommendation from St. Vincent de Paul, Press Christmas for All purchased something for Lisa that many take for granted: a bed.

Though she made sure her children have proper beds, Lisa slept on an air mattress before receiving a gift from Christmas for All.

“I have never owned a new bed,” she said. “I have only slept on hand-me-downs or other used furniture.”

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.