PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL New mom feels fortunate for gifts, blessings

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. 

Through faith and hard work, "Becky" has remained sober for more than two years.

She fulfilled probationary terms stemming from drug charges and was working up to 50 hours a week at her two jobs as a physical therapy assistant and at the front desk of a local hotel in the months leading up to the birth of her first child.

In September, she and her partner welcomed their new baby into the world.

"My achievement is completing inpatient and outpatient therapy, putting my faith in God and the support God has provided me to continue my sobriety and walk," Becky said.

Becky was placed in foster care at a young age and eventually raised by her grandparents. She enrolled in the Nurse Family Partnership at Panhandle Health District when she was 10 weeks along.

Working two jobs throughout her pregnancy was one of the most financially trying times of her life. She was referred to Press Christmas for All for help with food cards, fuel cards and vehicle repairs, which were done by Autoworks in Coeur d'Alene.

"Being referred by one of the nurses working with me through my pregnancy was a blessing from God," Becky said. "I would not have a running vehicle if it wasn't for their gift. I was able to maintain the gas and keep myself and my unborn baby fed throughout my pregnancy."

Becky's baby is healthy. Motherhood has helped restore her family. She said she feels fortunate for the gifts and blessings bestowed on her, which have given her the best gift of all: Time.

"Thank you, Jesus, for putting kindness in the hearts of others all year 'round who are using their own gain to help others in need," Becky 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:

Robert Hardy, Jacqueline and Lanny Rickard Sr., Trudy and Ron Barrett, William and Sharon Carlson, Linda Nelson, Kay Kindig

Over $500

G Gary Shaffer and Corby Locke