PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Sobriety, self-worth from the ashes of substance abuse

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.

“Louis” has many reasons to be proud. 

He's been with the Mental Health Court in Kootenai County since October 2024. His willingness to change his life for the better has allowed him to maintain his sobriety and reconnect with safe and healthy family members.

Through MHC, Louis has been able to work through past trauma and substance abuse that began in childhood — and, perhaps most importantly, he has come to believe that he is worthy of leading a good life.  

“I’ve made the choice to invest in myself,” he said. “I want to and am changing my story. I am resilient and worthy of a better life.”  

Louis’s progress has not gone unnoticed.  

Mary Wolfinger at MHC referred him to Press Christmas for All to help Louis receive dental care and other resources to support his overall physical health.  

With the help of Press Christmas for All, Louis received extensive dental work through Avondale Dental and eyeglasses from Ellenbecker Eye Clinic. He is currently working to get a bridge or partial dentures from RRR Dentures.  

Dr. Cindy Ellenbecker with Ellenbecker Eye Clinic said she and her husband, Dr. Wayne Ellenbecker, are "honored" to be a part of the work of Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined. 

"Good vision is necessary in order to function and be successful in our society," Cindy said. "Maggie Lyons started Charity Reimagined to transform lives by providing developmental resources that focus on reducing barriers to success."

Receiving this care has only added momentum to Louis’s steady progress: he is expected to move to Phase 3 of MHC in June and is in consideration for a promotion at his place of work. 

But his best progress, as Wolfinger said, is that “he believes in himself.” 

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:

Larry and Laura Mindt, Joe and Diane Dahlheim, Kenneth Moore, Wilma and John Ednie, Jeanne and James Whaley and Patricia Kelly, L.I. Grutta, Joanne Hellawell, Richard and Lyn Gerhard, Donna Goodwin, Linda Quigley, Deanna Ricks, Kathryn Boss, Chastina Tanabe, Lee and India Sorenson, Mike McMillan, Sheldon and Marissa Kernodle, JoAnn and K.V. Nelson, Ronald and Deanne Deady, Dick and Rhonda Schultz, D M Clark, John Broderick, In Memory of Harry Johnson, PJ and Robert Davis, Dave and Janie Sande, Ed and Marianne Harwood, and Doug Weir.

Over $500

Sandra Stouffer, Christine Quinn, Joe and Kathy Ornelas, Ed and Terri Morse, and Dennis and Mary Casey,