Man hopes for new hat and gloves

This 56-year-old said he needs a new hat and gloves, and he knows that with help from Press Christmas for All, they're within reach.

Several years ago, he used his gift from the holiday charity program to buy gloves so he could stay warm on his walks to work.

"I got to pick new ones out myself. I want new ones again," he said.

A diabetic who is also developmentally disabled, he has a job at a local big-box store. He works just a few hours each week, because he's also on disability. Still, he spends a lot of time outdoors because he walks or takes the bus to get to work or other appointments.

He lives with his older sister who is physically disabled, the result of a stroke. With a social worker's help, the sister makes sure her brother stays on top of his diet and medications for his diabetes.

"I like my work, but when I go to the bus, my head and my fingers get cold," he 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: Danna Harris; William and Kris Wood; Fern and Virgil Anderson; Steve and Carol Green; Esther Alme; Verla Packer; Anonymous, in memory of my son and baby daughter; Roy and Kay Wellman; Anonymous; Carol Taylor; Thomas and Judith Townsend; Silda Pollard; Gene Pierson; Leslie and Nancy Biby; Norman and Linda Lewis; Coeur d'Alene Electric Inc., in memory of our daughter, Christina Finney; Beverly and Peter Finney, in memory of our special angel, Christina Finney; J and L Sharples; North Idaho Classic Car Club, Inc.; Barb Crumpacker; Michel and Viki Terry; Norma Lindsay, in memory of my mother Stella; John and Carolyn Willoughby; H.L. and K.D. Hayes; Alan and Mary Pettit; Pat Dyke; Tony and Stacy Norris; Shirley and Paul Binfield; Dennis and Teresa Wolfe; Jeffrey Cobb; Kenneth and Karen Moore; Brian and Janice Odenthal; Russ and Laura Ulrich; James and Toni Christy; James and Christine Brannon.