PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Car repairs a lifeline for single mom

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

A spirit of determination to overcome adversity has inspired everyone around "Felicity."

A special education assistant at a middle school in the Coeur d'Alene School District, Felicity is raising two daughters on her own while pursuing her dream of becoming a special education teacher. She's enrolled at North Idaho College and plans to transfer to the University of Idaho once she receives her associate degree. Felicity has maintained a 4.0 grade point average for three semesters, despite a traumatic past and ongoing financial challenges.

"I was scared to death to start school," Felicity said. "I didn't know if I could handle it and juggle everything. But I've proven to myself that I'm capable, and I believe I can do it."

Felicity's life turned upside down earlier this year when her 2016 Subaru was involved in a wreck. A friend who drove her kids to school crashed the vehicle. The friend didn't have a driver's license, and without a police report, Felicity couldn't file an insurance claim. The damage left her car unsafe and unreliable.

"I was devastated," Felicity said. "My car is everything. It's how I get to work, how I get my girls to school, how I get to therapy. Without it, everything falls apart."

Through Press Christmas for All and a partnership with the school district, Felicity received new tires and brake repairs, restoring her vehicle's safety and reliability. She also paid a co-pay toward the services, demonstrating her commitment and gratitude.

Keith Orchard, the school district's mental health coordinator, referred Felicity to Charity Reimagined and Press Christmas for All. Her resilience has deeply moved him.

"The fact that she's employed, attending school and raising her daughters on her own is amazing," he said. "She's working on her mental health and doing everything she can to build a better life. She just needed a little help to get over the hump."

He said they initially talked about Felicity fixing the brakes herself, which was impressive.

"But after the crash, she needed real support," Orchard said. "Reliable transportation is essential for her and her girls."

Felicity's story is a reminder that behind every request for help is a person striving to break cycles, build stability and create a better future.

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:

Julia Shea, David and Janis Fenton, John and Nancy Runge, Charlotte Von Sprecken, Cristopher and Dorothy Schaffer, Karen, Culley Mills, and Terry Mills-Sauer, Jim Walden and Nancy Brown

Over $500

Norman and Carol Ridge, Coeur d'Alene Athletic Round, Dr. and Mrs. John A. Aalbers, Michael and Lauri Armon, L. and J. Sharples Jr.