Anonymous in Athol steps up again

Christmas Day is one week away.

And a very interested bystander doesn't want to see the big day arrive without smiles on every child's face.

Anonymous in Athol, a longtime donor to Press Christmas for All, has stepped forward again this year to challenge Kootenai County residents to meet the annual fundraiser's unprecedented goal of $225,000.

Last year, the charity brought in $200,000 - a record. But this year's drive is lagging behind.

A in A's challenge goes like this:

To encourage everyone to step up to the giving plate, Anonymous will donate $10,000 if the fundraising drive can hit $150,000 by Wednesday. That way, Anonymous reasons, the drive can be within striking distance of reaching its goal with three days of giving left.

Please, accept the challenge if you possibly can. Send your donation to Press Christmas for All or drop it off at the Press offices by 5 p.m. Wednesday. The address is 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, 83814.