Grandma taking care of 3 teen boys

This 84-year-old grandmother has taken on a heavy load this year.

Her son is very ill, she told Press Christmas for All.

She is taking care of his three teenage sons, and at this point, is receiving no financial support to help raise them.

Her only source of income is her own Social Security check.

On her application for assistance from the holiday charity program, she wrote: "I'm losing my home and had to file for food stamps."

The food assistance has not yet been approved.

"Please help me and my grandchildren for Christmas," she wrote.

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.

Last year, our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of families in need.

Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.

Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.

Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 26th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards for Shopko and Super 1. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To donate, please send a check to:

Press Christmas for All

201 Second St.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.

Recent donors:

Matthew & Kami McLaughlin; Brian & Margaret Hildahl; Anonymous; Ellen Carrithers; L. & C. Gibbs; G.A. Carden; Elizabeth Lee; Stan & Debra Kwake, in memory of Judy Kwake & Kevin Riordan; Frank & Leta Jessick; Bradley Stoddard; Judy Hirschkorn; Collin & Holly Coles; Bruce & Marjorie Colwell; Leslie & James Metzger; William Goetz; David & Peggy Whitman; Anonymous; Gary & Sandra Sonnen; Steve & Constance Wesson; Wendy Wilson; Patrick & Ginger Flynn, in loving memory of Roy Martin & Marian Flynn; William & Kris Wood; Jeff & Lynee Richards; Keith & Jackie Knight; Burton & Angelika Bradford; Laurie Green; Sue Stiner; Shirley Laidlaw; Thomas & Kristi Sharbono; Jeanette & Robert Branson; Coeurly Q's Square Dance Club, in memory of Dee Eldredge; Marianne & Garry Benson; Dorothy Thompson & Marianne Benson; Ed & Deb Allred, in loving memory of Casey Adams; Andrew & Jean Hjort; Anonymous; Mitch & Keri Alexander; Katie & Paul Burke; Beverly Poirier; Jim Hooker; Don & Charlene Riegel; Weldon & Doris Powell; Steve & Lisa Trovel; Pat & Elvin Moore; Barbara Coppock, in memory of Alden De Loss Coppock; Ginny & Scott Peterson; Richelle Manson; Bill & Judy Drake; Preferred Card Services; Tim & Kathryn Hunt; John & Betsy McTear; Burkhardt Consulting, LLC.; Barrie & Jeanne Connell; Robert & Mary Drummond; Trindera Engineering, Inc.; Lake City Ford; Anonymous

Notes from

our donors

It is our pleasure to inform you the enclosed check for $3,000 has been recommended to your organization by the Macedonian Trust, a philanthropic gift fund in the Idaho Community Foundation. The funds have been approved to support general operations. The donors asked us to add this note:

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

ELLY DAVIS

Donor Relations Officer