Man loves season with child-like wonder

He's not a young man, but his social worker told The Press that this developmentally disabled man loves the holiday season as much as any child.

"He gets very excited about all the decorations, and the lights," she said. "But it's a sad time for him too."

The social worker helped the 51-year-old apply for Press Christmas for All.

She said he spent much of his adult life in institutions, until several years ago, when he was moved into a group home.

Her client struggles on holidays, she said, when the other people he lives with are visited by family and receive gifts and treats from them.

The social worker said the man has an older brother he hasn't heard from in many years. He also has a younger sister who calls, but can't afford to send gifts, or travel from Portland to visit.

"It's really sad, because he's just a really sweet guy," the social worker 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: Lisa McLeod; Bill and Val Wolfe; Gregory and KenaRae Pratt; Cheryl and Robert Haughton; Leslie and Larry Wilde; Leland and Lyndell Erwin; River City Gardeners; James and Joy Drechsel.