It's that time: Christmas for All

As the holiday season begins to light up, it's time to dust off what has become a Christmas tradition in Kootenai County - Press Christmas for All.

It is the 26th year for the annual holiday charity program.

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for Kootenai County residents in need each holiday season.

Last year, the program was happily buried beneath a blizzard of giving.

Readers of this newspaper dug deep into their pockets in 2010 and generously donated a record-setting $200,000 to the holiday charity program.

Hundreds of givers provided the means for food and gifts to 9,595 Kootenai County residents who asked for help celebrating the spirit of the season.

Each year, the recipients - the working poor, some homeless, many jobless or disabled - feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them. Many are alone during the holiday season.

With your help, we can do it again this year.

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

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, every day until Dec. 25, we will publish a story about one of the families or individuals asking for help from Press Christmas for All this holiday season.

The program is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with tremendous assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

It is a legally recognized 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d'Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Every single penny raised is distributed to the needy. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Donations can be made by check, payable to "Press Christmas for All," by mail or in person to: Press Christmas for All, 201 Second St. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

Credit/Debit card donations can be made by phone: (208) 664-8176.

How to apply for assistance

Applications to apply for assistance from the 26th annual Press Christmas for All program will be available beginning Monday.

Applications can be picked up during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, at:

• The Coeur d'Alene Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene

• Post Falls City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 408 Spokane St., Post Falls

Completed applications should be returned to either of the above locations no later than Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.

Only one application per household will be accepted.

Gift cards in pre-determined amounts in sealed envelopes will be ready for applicants to pick up on Dec. 15 and 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Maintenance/Training building, 5271 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls.

Applicants must provide photo identification (state ID card or driver's license) before being given an envelope.