Wishing upon many stars

Something good to eat, and a present to open.

Is that too much to ask?

We don't think so. We don't think you think so, either.

With just a week and a half to go in the 27th annual Press Christmas for All fundraising drive, now is the time to write a check - any amount is greatly appreciated - to help ensure that nobody in Kootenai County goes without something good to eat and a present to open on Christmas Day. Because of two discouraging factors, that won't be easy.

One, the economy clearly hasn't improved for many less fortunate residents. The number of applicants for Press Christmas for All this year leaped 10 percent over last year, and last year was a record year for number of applicants. With the Great Recession allegedly growing more distant as better days advance, the trend should be going the other direction, but it's not.

Two, donations are running behind last year's pace, and last year the drive fell short of its goal. As of this writing, Press Christmas for All had generated 10 percent less in donations than at the same time last year.

That's a 10 percent increase in need and a 10 percent decrease in funding.

But we're 100 percent sure that many of you who can help, still will.

The goal is something good to eat and a present to open, no exceptions in Kootenai County.

Please send your tax-deductible check today to Press Christmas for All, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.