Holiday campaign in home stretch
MIKE PATRICK/Press Press Christmas for All volunteer Brandi Beer accepts a $500 donation from Reid Harlocker and his pooch pal, Smurf.
Smurf Harlocker, known as Capt. Smurf during summer excursions, graciously donated three milk bones to this year’s Press Christmas for All campaign. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Raised so far: $111,099 To date last year: $80,853 Left to reach goal: $63,901
With one week until The Big Day, Press Christmas for All has raised just under two-thirds of its $175,000 goal.
If you can help, please make your contribution now.
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of some of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.
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After the unexpected death of her children’s father, this mom of four is struggling to cope.
“I try to be strong for them,” she told Press Christmas for All. “They’re dealing with serious things, and I’m trying to be supportive.”
The family has been deeply affected by the father’s death, especially the two children who were with him when he passed.
Without their dad, Christmas is going to be a hard day for the family. Still, the mom wishes her kids could have just a few minutes when they’re not focused on grief or thinking of how much they miss their dad.
“I want to see their faces light up,” she said. “I want them not to have to worry about anything.”
This is the 33rd 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, including the elderly, disabled and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. They are barely making ends meet and they do not qualify for other holiday charity programs.
Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common factor. 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.
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.
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, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on the menu on the left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.
To make a donation by phone using your credit card, call 208-664-8176.
RECENT DONORS:
Barbara Bradley; Steven Bybee; Dave Paul; Michael Jacobs; Jeff and Kathy Carlson; John and Sharon Keating; Dave and Claudia in Memory of Dan Lackman; Marjorie Bald; Linda and Brad Pendleton; Beverly Delavan; Darrell Louks and Janice Oliver; Nancy and Michael Fauntleroy; Nellrae Kealy; Norman and Tamera Daniels; Bradley Stoddard; Beverly Schermer; Rodney and Debra Colwell; Betty Henderson; Bonnie Bennett; Faye Shankle; Jeannette Hill; Tony and Sue Ziegler; Edith Brehm; The Roosevelt Inn Annual Holiday Tour; Rhonda and Henrey Covelli; D.L. and S. Nussear; Donna Euler in Loving Memory of Dennis Euler; Bonnie McDowell in Memory of George, Randy and Parents Cleve and Addie Paine; Betty Ball; Judith Karlgaard; William and Linda Culp; Cope and Dawn Gale; Gary and Donna Monroe; Stephen and Linda Koehler.
OVER $500 CLUB:
Peace Lutheran Church; Nancy Ebel; Jack and Jacquelyn Forest; Reid Harlocker; Medicine Man Pharmacy.