PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL From hardship to hope

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share stories of those who have received help from the program with readers. This is one of them.

The resilience and determination exhibited by "Jesse" show how far he has come in turning his hardships into hope.

At nearly 60 years old, Jesse was living in the back of his truck in Coeur d'Alene as he started a new job at a local hardware store. Despite volunteering as a warming shelter manager and maintaining sobriety, he had to leave the shelter before he could save enough money for housing.

"I've been clean and sober for two years," Jesse said. "I work out almost daily to stay physically fit. I just needed a little help to get back on my feet."

That help came through a network of support led by Heritage Health's Street Medicine program, a referring partner and good friend of Press Christmas for All. Street Medicine Director Chris Green, who submitted Jesse's application, described him as one of Street Medicine's rock stars.

"He's been on fire, doing so, so good," Green said. "He volunteered and worked as a warming shelter manager, but he timed out and had to leave just as he was starting a new job. He's living out of his truck, trying to sleep, without access to showers or laundry. He needs to be in an apartment." 

Green said he and his team rushed Jesse's application process because of the urgency of his situation.

"It's hard work and hard to maintain work while living out of a truck," Green said. "He's doing everything right, he just needed a little help to get over the hump."

Jesse finally found stable housing, into which he moved, with St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho covering the deposit. Press Christmas for All contributed to the move-in costs.

"I'm so grateful," Jesse said. "If I can get to work and stay clean, my adult children will benefit too. This room means I can sleep, shower and keep my job. It's everything."

Each year, Press readers generously donate to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised goes to Kootenai County residents. The Hagadone Corp covers all overhead costs.   

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, people experiencing homelessness 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 and make a secure online donation.

• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene. 

A heartfelt thanks to our recent donors:

Parker and Kay Woodall, Evalyn Adams and Karen Worthley, David and Elsie Casteel, Molly and Charley, Scott Richter, Sue Thilo, Carl and Sally Gidlund, Al and Janet Anderson, Kenneth Koep, Olive Allison and Edward Lockwood

Donations over $500

Anthony and Lindsay Oss, Alycia Moss, Spunstrand, Inc.; John and Paula Neils, Charles Gibson, Charles and Karen Groswith