Looking out for her sister

Each year, this 84-year-old woman's older sister comes to spend Christmas with her.

The elder sibling, 88, is now developing dementia and lives in a local assisted living facility.

The women are both widows. The 88-year-old's only son died two years ago, and her grandchildren live in another state.

"We're both alone, except for each other," said the younger sister. "This could be the last Christmas she knows what's going on."

The younger woman said she is not sure how she's going to pay for a few treats for their holiday meal.

For years, her finances have been tight, she said, but she was able to get by. That changed last year when her home - the one she and her husband moved into in 1969 - needed a new roof.

The more than $5,000 cost drained her savings.

She said she and her husband ?- now dead for 21 years - gave to Christmas for All when the program first started, and she never imagined she would be on this side of program.

"I didn't want to apply, but I did it for my sister," she said.

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 29th 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 include: Hermine Frank; Richard and Constance Leichner; Carol Fernlund; Charles and Marialyce Miller; Donna and Milton Stafford; Delmar and June Gittel; Jefferey and Susan Welch; Ronald and Beverly Noble; Doris Bartlett; Anonymous.