PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Widow stresses less thanks to caring community

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.

"Noella," 44, has been picking up the pieces of her life since her husband died by suicide.

She is now a widow, caring for their children on her own. Two of the three kids have autism and still live at home.

Noella works part time for the Coeur d'Alene School District, a Christmas for All referring partner. She wants to be a teacher. She recently returned to school after 22 years and is maintaining good grades.

"Despite my struggles, my kids have smiles on their faces and we, the three amigos, will make our life better and successful and happy," Noella told Press Christmas for All.

Life wasn't easy or simple before her husband's unexpected death. The family lived in Noella's mother's home for 16 years until the house was sold. Poor credit and a lack of rental history made it nearly impossible to find a new home. When Noella finally found a place that would accept her, the $4,000 move-in cost was prohibitive for her limited income.

Through Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined, Noella was awarded money for a deposit and first month's rent. She and the kids are now thriving in their new home, which has a yard and great neighbors.

"This award helped myself and my two children to be able to get into more affordable housing as my old housing raised its rent significantly," Noella said. "The award helped me get back on my feet."

She said this award taught her that it's OK to reach out and ask for help.

"It helped me to be less stressed about life," she said.

She can now concentrate on her kids' schooling and her college classes "and, let's be honest, minimal to no more stress crying," Noella said. "This award was a lifesaver to my kids and I."

She is grateful to know help exists through Christmas for All.

"It taught me that I can't always face my struggles on my own, but there's help out there," she said, "especially from a caring community who wants to help."

Call or text 988 to reach the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline if you or someone you know are struggling with emotional distress, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, mental health concerns, substance use issues or experiencing trauma or abuse.

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

George and Katherine Vivian, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Schmidt, Phil and Mary Hayes, Mike and Mary Friedrich, Paul and Julie Amador, In Memory of James Hawker, In Memory of Robin Leferink, In Memory of Gene and Charlene Boyd, Thomas and Stephanie Koennel, Randy and Jane Thomas, Doug and Mary Somers, Bonnie Bennett, Leland and Lyndell Erwin, Richard and Nona Barclay, Karen Anderson, Nancy and Robert Thiessen, Thomas and Judith Cronin, Robert and Helen Shackelford, Dennis and Carlene Cada, Gerald and Janice Tice, Mary Landers, Dean and Carolle Griffin, Shirlie Nilsson, James and Cynthia Merriman, Lubertus and Mary Vanderbilt, Stanley and Rebecca Howerton, Robert Moate, Sandra Langstan, Nick and Liz Thorpe 

Over $500

Rosemary McGrath, Joseph and Traci Parrish, Carol Taylor