PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL A holiday gift of healing

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.

“Taylor” sought help from Press Christmas for All, not for herself, but for her daughter, “Emma.”

Emma, 10, is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and struggles with anxiety and depressive episodes. Taylor has been working with Emma’s school counselor and other community resources to set Emma up for success before she moves on to middle school.

“Emma’s goals are to gain self-confidence and the ability to emotionally self-regulate,” her applicant story reads.

Taylor learned about equine therapy, which is known to help those with ADHD and anxiety hone their emotional regulation skills as well as practice with staying present and focused; however, the family’s financial situation made it so that providing this experience for Emma felt unattainable.

The family, which also includes Emma’s dad and brother, currently lives in a camping trailer as they save for a more permanent home in the future. Taylor did not graduate from high school and works part-time driving for Uber Eats, while her husband works a full-time job.

“We are working to secure permanent housing and to improve our communication and family security,” Taylor said.

Hearing Emma and her family’s story, Maura Crowley with Canopy Village referred Taylor to Press Christmas for All. Together with Charity Reimagined, the nonprofit program was able to gift Emma 10 sessions with Hope Reins, an Equine Assisted Therapies program in the Athol area.

“Equine therapy at Hope Reins will help Emma learn coping skills needed to function in life,” her applicant story reads.

For Emma and her family, the gift of equine therapy is more than a holiday gesture: it’s an investment in her well-being and future success. 

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.