How it all began

By donating to Press Christmas for All, you'll continue a sweet yet sad story that began more than three decades ago.

On Dec. 12, 1980, local couple Mae and Larry Hanley were the subject of a five-paragraph story in this newspaper. The Hanleys asked readers to contact them if they had any gifts, toys, food or money to contribute to a program they decided to call Christmas for All. Their intended beneficiary was a neighbor lady who had nothing for her family at Christmas.

While the Hanleys gave Christmas for All its start - they raised something like $150 that first year, according to Press archives - local churches got involved and the program grew a little more. But it hit a low ceiling, and former Press executive Bob Paulos and owner Duane Hagadone brainstormed to see how they might help it expand. That was 28 years ago and, $3,599,591 later, many thousands of needy Kootenai County residents have had their holiday prayers answered.

Yes, that $3.6 million is the actual amount you, dear readers, have contributed over the years. And just so you know, Larry Hanley remains a frequent donor to the program.

Every day from Black Friday to Christmas, The Press publishes front-page stories based on real families' needs while safeguarding their privacy. The newspaper will also keep readers updated on how they're doing in attaining the fundraising goal.

But one story that's gone largely untold is that two of the key founders of this feast, Bob and Virginia Paulos, died several years ago without ever bearing children of their own. Press Christmas for All was their baby, and they nurtured it and helped it grow through tireless effort and boundless love.

Virginia succumbed to Alzheimer's; near the end she didn't recognize her beloved husband. Bob, aged and ill, lived his final days in Oklahoma where an adoring family watched over him. It was a blessing he had earned over a lifetime.

Press Christmas for All has evolved. It has touched more lives than we can count. May we count on you this holiday season to touch still more?