PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Resilience rewarded

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.

“Hayden” has not let past trauma hold her back from building a better life.

In just one year, Hayden overcame homelessness to become a North Idaho College graduate and small business owner. Her Press Christmas for All application describes her as “a driven, hardworking woman who is turning her life around in an impressive way.”

“She lights up a room when she walks in,” wrote Shannon Tait with NIC’s Center for New Directions. “She is just wonderful.”

As Hayden continues to move away from her past and toward a promising future, she’s struggled with one thing in particular: chronic neck and back pain.

Hayden was in a car accident a few years ago. Insurance only covered 20% of her medical bills. She has since been financially unable to address the constant, lingering pain.

Her request to Press Christmas for All was simple: a new mattress and neck pillow for better support, a wish that community donations happily granted. 

“I can get out of bed without back pain and crying,” Hayden said, “and can go to work and school without being in pain.”

Hayden’s story is one of resilience. It wasn’t just homelessness that she overcame, but a childhood spent in the throes of the foster care system and addiction in her adult life. She is proud to be four years sober and committed to her Catholic faith.

She’s also immensely grateful for those who have given her a “hand up” along the way.

“I learned that you people are a gift from God,” 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:

Leslie and Nancy Biby, Glenn and Kristina Jacklin, Leslie and Larry Wilde, Pam and Roger Rowland, Charles and Bonnie Patterson, Gregory and Cathryn Bailey, Pat and Darius Stuart, Patrick and Beverly Tebo, and Alastair and Joyce Summers.

Over $500

Georgia & James Warren