Christmas for All begins Nov. 10

The application period for the 2015 Press Christmas for All charity program begins Tuesday, Nov. 10, and ends Wednesday, Dec. 2.

This is the 30th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, many who are working but living near or below the poverty level. Hundreds of Christmas for All gift recipients do not qualify for other holiday charity programs. The gift cards are distributed to those who ask for help — including elderly, disabled and mentally ill residents trying to survive in Kootenai County on just a few hundred dollars each month. Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common denominator. But through Christmas for All, they feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.

Kootenai County residents who are in need and wish to receive help this holiday season from Press Christmas for All can pick up and drop off completed applications between Tuesday, Nov. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 2 at two locations:

Post Falls City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St.

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Coeur d’Alene Public Library

702 E. Front Ave.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday

Applications are NOT being distributed or accepted at the Coeur d’Alene Press office this year. Online applications will be available Tuesday on cdapress.com.

The deadline for all applications is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. No late applications will be accepted, nor will applications submitted prior to Nov. 10. Applications are limited to one per family per household.

This year’s gift card distribution will take place Dec. 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Training Campus, 5271 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls. Applicants must be present and bring photo identification.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d’Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 201 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Donations are also accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.