PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL From rock bottom to business owner

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.

Thirty-nine-year-old “Jonathan” owns his own home and pays his own mortgage. He is a husband and a father of four children.

He'd be the first to admit that he has “a very colorful past.”

“I was incarcerated and released 15 years ago,” Jonathan explained. “I realized then, with God’s help, that this lifestyle wasn’t for me.”

This realization allowed Jonathan to turn his life around. He worked as a maintenance foreman for a nonprofit for about a year before starting his own contracting company.

Though Jonathan has seen overall business success, last year proved challenging, with only about $49K in revenue and needing repairs on the truck that made his work possible.

Becca Stinson with St. Vincent de Paul had seen firsthand all the work Jonathan had done for the community and ultimately referred him to Press Christmas for All to get him the “hand up” he needed and deserved.

“He has done so much work at cost or heavily discounted,” Stinson said. “Sometimes he works for free for the community members, St. Vincent de Paul shelters and for the elderly.”

Press Christmas for All provided him with financial assistance for repairs on his truck, with Jonathan footing 15% of the cost.

The aid not only allows Jonathan to continue his work as a private contractor, but also to continue on his path to a better life.

“He’s come from rock bottom and built a beautiful future for his family and community,” Stinson said. 

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:

David and Rosemary Sissons, Patrick and Dianne Sullivan, Garry Karns, Michael and Linda Van Cheri, Johnny and Kathy Arrand.