PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Many smiles ahead

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. 

“Destiny” has worked hard to get to where she is today, particularly in her sobriety.  

“I had to pray a lot and take it one day at a time,” she said.  

Now clean and sober for over five years, Destiny has filled her days with what she calls “positive activities,” including being a mom to her young daughter, working full-time and attending church regularly.  

But unexpected physical ailments have a way of making day-to-day life more difficult than it needs to be.  

Destiny recently had four teeth extracted, a costly procedure. Although she was able to pay a portion of the bill herself, the unexpected debt made it difficult to keep up with other living expenses. 

Knowing how hard Destiny has worked to get her life back on track, Kirsten Ridgewell with Union Gospel Mission referred her to Press Christmas for All.  

“Destiny is doing all she can to move forward in life,” Ridgewell said. 

Thanks to community donations to the program, Press Christmas for All was able to assist Destiny in paying off her remaining dental debt. 

Her story is a reminder of how receiving a “hand up” can be life-changing in more ways than one. 

“Once my teeth are fixed, I will have more motivation to do other things,” Destiny 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 donors:

Defrancesco Family, Cynthia and Bobby Marlette, Amy Mayer, Norm and Rohnda Venturino, JoAnn Solberg, Bonnie Favor, Jan Jesberger, The Mchenrys, In memory of Mae and Larry Hanley, Founders; Patrick and Renee Miller, David & Patricia Hoskins, Eileen DuHamel, Scott and Debbie Sanner, Kent Holbrook, Jean Donaldson, Julia and David Mangan, Beverly Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Delyea, David and Helga Brown, Barbara Zimmer, Gary Anderson, Janice D'arc, Jim and Donna Runge, Robert Burton, R. James and Jerre Coleman, Mark and Camille Rimmer, Paul & Beverly, McCabe, Mary Hansen, Francine Archambault, John  & Patti Dixon, Robert & Sally Wallace, Linda Sorenson, Fred and Sharon Gabourie, Larry and Margaret Stein, In memory of Joyce — Roger Brockhoff, Helen Calhoun, Russ and Laura Ulrich, Brad and Catrin Stoddard, Janet and John Smith, Kenneth and Donna Casalicchio, Lennis McLeod and Dawn Salmons, Lawrence & Joanne Castor, Dennis and Sherry Irish, Jack Mauch and Liese Dixon, Edward and Susan Leach Craig Burkhart, Nancy and Roger Clark, Kathy Salvadore, Collin and Holly Coles, Rod and Debbie Colwell, Paula Moore, F E and Monika Vancini.

Over $500

Larry Running, Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer, Keith and Susan Hill, Robert and Mary Kay Yuditsky, Nancy Wright, Richard Moore, Joan Woodard, Ann and Len Ganote, LTA Architects, Dave and Lyndi Phifer, In Memory of Scott and Denny, Robert and Vickie Fusch.