Press Christmas for All 12-04-2013

His Christmas for All application form was mostly bare. Just a first name, middle initial and last name and then four digits of a Social Security number.

Under the question, "Briefly describe your situation this Christmas. Why do you need help?" were three words: Unemployed and homeless.

Address: None

Phone: None

Email: None

Life doesn't get a lot rougher.

Everyone has a story, but some stories will never get told. They can only be imagined by the rest of us.

So, in place of a story, here are some definitions.

Unemployed: Out of work. Can mean "out of hope."

Homeless: Having no home or permanent residence. Includes: living on the street, in a tent, in a vehicle, in a cardboard box. Can mean "out of hope."

Address: See Homeless.

Phone: A device that is connected to a telephone system that you use to listen or speak to someone who is somewhere else (Merriam-Webster). It can also be a way to maintain friendships and get jobs. Its absence can mean "out of hope."

Email: A system for sending messages from one computer to another computer (Merriam-Webster). It is also a way to stay in touch with friends, stay current in the world and apply for jobs. Its absence can mean "out of hope."

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

Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County 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 28th 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 from local retailers who also generously support the program. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To give, 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.

Donations can be made securely online at www.christmasforallcda.com

Recent donors: Joyce R. Mangan; John and Elizabeth Hartnett; Donald and Charlotte Keane; Graham and Betsy Crutchfield; Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign.

• Notes from our readers

Please accept our small token to hopefully help some children enjoy a nice Christmas. We lost our first grandson, Dustin J.C. Peterson, 10 years ago. Hope this can help a small child.

VERN and MARJE PETERSON

Hayden