Christmas for All, a tradition of generosity

The day after Thanksgiving is ripe with traditions in Kootenai County. Today, thousands of families will enjoy a holiday parade on Sherman Avenue, the lighting ceremony at The Coeur d’Alene Resort and a fireworks show that officially ushers in the Christmas season. 

But there is another long standing Kootenai County day-after-Thanksgiving tradition — the launch of the annual Press Christmas for All fundraising  campaign.

Now in its 38th year, Christmas for All is a tradition of incredible generosity, one that speaks volumes about our community’s immense capacity to provide care and compassion to our neighbors in need. 

The fundraising campaign runs from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas, and because Christmas for All has evolved over the past 38 years, the money raised provides help and hope throughout the year. 

Christmas for All now works with Maggie Lyons and Charity Reimagined to support our neighbors in need who, with a little help, are willing and able to give themselves and their families a better life. 

Instead of doling out small gift cards to anyone who signs up, Christmas for All now helps change those lives in more substantial ways. You will read stories each day through Christmas about grateful recipients who have benefited from our program’s donors’ extraordinary generosity. 

Recipients are referred to Christmas for All by more than 20 organizations that assist with a vetting process to ensure people who are working hard to help themselves get the hand up they need, not a hand out that would only continue their plight in poverty.

Outstanding businesses provide goods and services at or below cost for Christmas for All so recipients get car repairs that enable them to go to work and take the kids safely to school; for eye exams and eyeglasses so they can see well enough to fill out a job application; to buy tools of their trade so they can put their skills to work, find a home and feed their family.

Since 1986, Coeur d’Alene Press readers have given $5.65 million, and because Christmas for All is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit managed by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d'Alene Press and Charity Reimagined, every penny raised has gone to Kootenai County residents in need. All overhead costs are borne by the company. That’s the gold standard that will never change. 

The goal this year is to raise $200,000, which will go a long way in pulling local families out of the despair of poverty and into the realm of sustaining themselves — and their dignity.

Help us once again create the holiday miracle that is Christmas for All — Year, and may you all have a joyous Christmas season.  

Here are four ways to donate:

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All and make a secure, online donation.

• 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.