PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL New smile marks a new beginning for peer support specialist

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.

“Lacy” became homeless at just 13 years old, but that didn’t stop her from working hard to build a life for herself.

She secured housing and employment as a caretaker for a disabled man until she was 18. She became a nursing assistant, received her GED and even earned a Student of the Year award at North Idaho College.  

However, Lacy battled a substance use disorder, which distracted her from her progress and ultimately led her down a path paved with bad decisions, resulting in incarceration. 

Lacy’s incarceration was a turning point in her life; she completed her legal commitment and has been substance-free since 2023.  

“Maintaining sobriety over the last two years has been a great accomplishment,” her applicant story reads.  

Her sobriety has also become her superpower in helping others. Having an intimate understanding of the challenges of sobriety herself, Lacy now volunteers as both a peer support specialist and a recovery coach.  

But damage to her teeth from when she was young has been an obstacle for Lacy, as her volunteer work requires her to be public-facing and speak effectively and with confidence. 

Thanks to the services provided by Triple RRR Dentures, Press Christmas for All was able to gift Lacy a new partial denture that offers both functional and cosmetic benefits.  

“The partial will restore her ability to chew, speak and provide a natural looking smile,” her applicant story reads. “This will restore her smile, providing confidence and improved self-esteem.” 

Today, Lacy continues to excel in her sobriety and hopes to obtain her associate's degree. As she works to be the best version of herself, she helps others do the same.

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.

    Pat Braden with the Coeur d’Alene Elks 1254 presents a $5,390 check to Clint Schroeder, president and executive publisher with the Hagadone Newspaper and Media Group, for The Press Christmas for All program.
  

    Nancy Morris with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Coeur d'Alene Lodge 34 presents a $10,000 check for The Press Christmas for All program to RikkiJade Lindstrom with the Hagadone Newspaper Group.