Mission accomplished

Well, readers, you did it.

The 25th annual Press Christmas for All campaign is now officially in the books, and the towering goal of $200,000 - the most ambitious goal yet - was conquered.

Told that the goal had been reached, Anonymous in Athol, who helped this year's campaign with a pair of challenges and some massive giving, said: "In this economy most things are way down. The success of Press Christmas for All really speaks to the people of North Idaho."

The success spoke to the hundreds of donors - and to the thousands of recipients.

By the time the last few gift cards were distributed Thursday, Press Christmas for All had provided the means for food and gifts to 9,565 Kootenai County residents - another record, though not by much. Last year the program helped 9,512 people.

To all who made this year's campaign an unrivaled success: Press Christmas for All's volunteers only wish you could be rewarded, as we were, by seeing the impact this program has on people who desperately need help. Our favorite moment occurred when a little boy, whose mother received a generous gift card, handed an imaginary package about the size of a coffee pot to a Press Christmas for All volunteer. The volunteer played along and asked sweetly, "What's this?" "It's a Christmas tree!" replied the boy, maybe 3 years old.

To all who received help this year: It is our bright hope that next year your circumstances will have improved and that you will someday help others whose needs have exceeded your own.

To everyone: Have a very merry Christmas!