PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Faith guides couple on path to wellness

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. 

One medical emergency set "David" and "Grace" way back on their finances.

Grace, 44, has an associate's degree and is employed full-time as a medical assistant. She and David, 45, pulled themselves out of the throes of addiction to become healthy, successful contributors to society.

Then David was involved in a traumatic all-terrain vehicle accident, which left him with four broken ribs and a punctured lung. He was unable to work for two months because of his injuries. It put Grace and David's bank account in peril and nearly tossed them back into habitual substance abuse.

"It took everything not to go back to our old ways when things were stressful and were painful," Grace said.

The couple enrolled in programming at Union Gospel Mission, a Press Christmas for All referring partner, and became involved in a local faith-based recovery community, the Way Home Coeur d'Alene.

"David and I are most proud of being sober and finishing our programs at UGM and Way Home," Grace said. "We have been sober for two years and going strong. We had to lean on family, build a relationship with Jesus and grow together as a couple."

The couple has since completed UGM programming, but in the interim, found themselves needing expensive vehicle work. Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined helped finance the car repairs at Masterminds Auto Repair and Exhaust, so David and Grace could have a reliable vehicle to travel to work and appointments and ultimately return to a path of healing and recovery. 

"We will continue to work hard, lean into Jesus and reach out if we need help," Grace 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

Dave and Claudia Landon, Thomas Moorhouse, Chad McCormick, Dean and Cheryl Merrill, Dalton and Jenny Shotwell, Margaret and Larry O'Leary, In the name of Ashton and Greyson Owens, Bev and Ron Noble, Becky Shellman, James Ummel, Linda Fabian, Barbara Proper and Tom Davenport, Michael and Kathleen Brown, Joe Lykins, Giannine O'Connor, Bill and Barb Armstrong Sr.,  In memory of Denise Robson, Bill and Kat, Bob and Reek Kasun

Over $500

Anthony and Linda Maravilla, John and Kathy Barlow, A.B.A.T.E. of North Idaho, Inc. and Kootenai Chapter, Clean Lakes Inc., Bradley and Shariae Dugdale, John and Connie Young, Kevin Chang