PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Couple with high-risk infant grateful for tires, car repairs

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.

Bringing a new life into the world means a fresh start and a world of possibilities for unconditional love.

"Christen" and her partner "Matt" made the courageous steps to become parents, overcoming years of family trauma that Christen had endured to begin their own chapter and start a new generation.

A high-risk pregnancy heightened the stress and concern for the young couple. The baby had to be delivered out of state and continues to need care from doctors in and outside Idaho.

"Traveling for our baby's health care is difficult without reliable tires and transportation," Christen told Press Christmas for All.

The family has been working with the Panhandle Health District Nurse Family Partnership, which provides prenatal and post-delivery care to new mothers and families.

"Christen is an amazing mom," a Panhandle nurse said. "She has been coordinating the specialized care her baby needs to stay healthy."

To ensure the young family could get their newborn safely to appointments, Press Christmas for All awarded them new tires and car repairs with help from Les Schwab and Autoworks.

"Traveling for the care of a high-risk infant can have significant medical, emotional and financial impact on the family," the family's applicant story shares. "Dad continues to work despite the long distance needed for travel. Uncertainty of their baby's condition puts strain on the family."

A little help with the car has made it possible for them to make daily appointments and continue working toward keeping their precious little one safe and healthy.

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

Richard and Carla Browning, Vicki and Chris Miller, Emon and Vicki Olson, Jerome and Madora Parmentier, Conrad and Marilyn Lahr, Paul and Linda Sandvig, Josephine Prophet, Robert and Connie Bitter, In memory of my dear father Harry Perry, From Dianne Turner; David and Karen Crouse

Over $500 

Ron and Heidi Gifford, Coeur d'Alene Rifle and Pistol Club, James and Gale English