PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Making way for baby

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them. 

An unplanned pregnancy meant moving back home for young college student "Keira" and her partner, "Ryan."

They made the decision to be close to family so Keira could have extra support while continuing her studies online with a baby on the way. Finances, which were tight for the couple despite Keira working part-time and Ryan working full-time, were about to get even tighter.

This is where Press Christmas for All and referring partner Panhandle Health District came in. Christmas for All awarded the couple two months' rent and food cards to help them through a financial crisis.

"Despite all our challenges, we work to stay involved in our community and serve others whenever we can," Keira said. "We are able to network and serve through our church community."

Keira is proud of the fact that despite having an unplanned pregnancy and the challenge of moving back home, she has been able to keep up with college classes, stay positive and keep moving forward. Since the time of the award, she has delivered a healthy baby who is full of smiles and thriving. Both Keira and Ryan are working on their budgeting skills and stretching their dollars.

As of October, they had emerged from the financial crisis with help from Christmas for All partner Charity Reimagined. Keira continues to be involved with the Nurse-Family Partnership at Panhandle Health, an evidence-based program with more than 30 years of research demonstrating an improvement in pregnancy outcomes for women as well as an improvement in the health and development of their babies. It also works to improve economic independence for the family.

Each year, Press readers donate to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised goes to Kootenai County residents. The Hagadone Corp. covers 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 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:

H Yuditsky, Shawn Kellner, Richard Patterson, Penny Thompson, Thomas & Carol Saathoff, Donald Schierman, Barb Crumpacker

Over $500 Donations

Steve & Julie Hudson