PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Sober, steady and starting over

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.

In the aftermath of divorce, “Addison” has worked hard to build a better life for herself and her children.

The path forward hasn’t always been easy. Addison turned to alcohol to cope with the dissolution of her marriage and the loss of her home to bankruptcy.

However, Addison knew that she and her two children deserved better.

Addison chose sobriety to provide for her family, focus on her mental health and continue her education. She is now earning a master's degree in social work through Boise State University while working a full-time job and being the best mother she can be to her children.

Someday, she intends to be a counselor for children and those struggling with addiction.

All this work is paying off beautifully: Addison has a 3.8 GPA in her graduate program and has lost 40 pounds since choosing sobriety.

“I want to own a home again, build lasting financial stability, and show my kids what it looks like to rise after being knocked down,” she said.

While Addison has been able to finance her education with student loans, the loans do not cover summer tuition. Without the means to take summer classes, she faced the possibility of a delayed graduation date.

Noting Addison’s academic performance and dedication to her family, Louisa Rogers, with North Idaho College’s Center for New Directions, referred her to Press Christmas for All. The program was able to supplement Addison’s summer tuition and provide food cards.

“By helping pay for half my summer tuition towards my summer courses ... I was able to not delay my future graduation date,” she said. “It is greatly appreciated as a single mom of two to have such an amazing gift. Words can’t describe how thankful and grateful I am.”

Addison was also grateful to learn that there are options like Press Christmas for All in the community that help uplift those in need.

“I was not aware of all the opportunities available in our community to help people until I was introduced to Louisa and this program,” she 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:

In memory of Meralyn Harris, Jerry, Sheree and Jeremiah Cooper, Richard Lund, AJ and D GHughan, In Memory of Ray and Ruth Jones, Jerry and Elizabeth Rose, Sharon Weiss, Peter and Elke Braunlich, Faye Ferguson, Monika Krapfl, Steve Buckner, Margie Wise, Gwen Letson, TG Harold and Christian Markiewicz, Del and Lucille Bradshaw, Randy Link, Laurence and Suella Graybill; Linda Beecher, Christine Paulus, Sharon and John Keating.

Over $500

Marty and Julie Westbrook, Patricia Krug, Rodney and Kim Strom, Larry and Tammy Baker, John and Mary Pierce, Ron and Kathy Anderson, and Keith and Sandra Matheney.