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 young man who is gaining independence and connecting with his community while living with severe mental illness.

“Sam” was just 13 years old when he developed bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood.

Despite spending some of his teen years in juvenile detention, Sam earned his high school diploma. But he was unable to maintain a job due to his mental illness and became homeless.

“The whole time, I struggled with my mental health and I wasn’t committed to being in treatment,” he said.

That changed when Sam found the Assertive Community Treatment program at Heritage Health. The program helps people who are severely impacted by mental illness to make improvements in their daily lives with professional behavioral health support.

At that time, Sam was deeply depressed and consumed by dark thoughts. He attempted suicide shortly after coming to the program. But, three years later, clinicians who work with Sam say they’ve witnessed an “amazing transformation” in his life.

“I have come so far,” Sam said. “I haven’t had suicidal thoughts in over a year and I haven’t had an attempt in two-and-a-half years.”

Sam consistently takes the medication he needs to manage his mental illness, always attends therapy sessions and engages with peer support and skill-building services.

“Now it’s time to branch out into the community and make friends and have more freedom and healthy relationships,” he said.

After a recommendation from Heritage Health, Press Christmas for All has helped Sam do just that by purchasing an electric bike for him.

A car crash left Sam physically disabled. He can’t drive, nor can he walk or ride a regular bicycle more than a few blocks at a time. For years, Sam was isolated at home, only able to go out when he had a ride to therapy or medical appointments.

“He has been dreaming about this for a long time and I have no other resource on which to draw to refer him to,” Sam’s social worker wrote in a letter to Christmas for All. “I do feel he has definitely made more than enough progress to be awarded something that would change and transform his life like an electric bike.”

An electric bike has given Sam the freedom to join his community — to attend public events, engage with hobbies outside his home, go shopping independently, meet new people and develop relationships. All this also supports his mental health.

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.