Curtain rises on Christmas for All
What began as a neighborhood holiday giveaway from a garage in 1980 has evolved.
Press Christmas for All opens its 34th chapter today, and it’s not quite like any of its predecessors.
On Dec. 12, 1980, local couple Mae and Larry Hanley were the subject of a five-paragraph story in this newspaper. The Hanleys asked readers to contact them if they had any gifts, toys, food or money to contribute to a program they decided to call Christmas for All. Their intended beneficiary was a neighbor lady who had nothing for her family at Christmas.
While the Hanleys gave Christmas for All its start — they raised something like $150 that first year, according to Press archives — local churches got involved and the program grew a little more. But it hit a low ceiling, and former Press executive Bob Paulos and owner Duane Hagadone brainstormed to see how they might help Christmas for All expand.
That was 34 years ago. Since The Hagadone Corp. turned it into an official 501(c)3, Press Christmas for All has raised $4,710,596 — and every penny has gone to helping Kootenai County residents in the holiday season. That’s the gold standard that will never change.
What is changing this year: A far more determined effort for Press Christmas for All to help people improve their lives, not just on Christmas Day but every day.
Since last summer, Christmas for All volunteers have been working diligently with CharityReimagined.Org, a local nonprofit headed by Maggie Lyons. Charity Reimagined is a 501(c)3 that Lyons created to help other nonprofits and service groups become more effective in fulfilling their mission of helping the poor. The goal: Restore and promote the dignity and self-reliance of those most in need.
The hand up rather than handout glove certainly fits.
Starting tomorrow, you’ll still read stories right up until Christmas Day about the people your generous donations are going to assist. But you’ll see a slight difference: Rather than simply breaking your heart, these stories will introduce you to local people who will fill your heart with hope. That’s because the beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community’s big, strong hand provides a lift to help get them back on their feet.
Over the next 27 days, we’ll provide more details about the campaign as we strive to raise $205,000, this year’s goal. That’s a big leap from last year’s target of $175,000, and slightly more than the $203,000 that came in through hundreds of donations, big and small.
With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:
- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814
- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176
- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.
- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.