She typed most of her application for help from Press Christmas for All.

It's a new writing method this woman is learning, because arthritis in her hands has made the task of penning anything increasingly difficult.

She has been disabled for years, plagued by multiple health issues.

Her husband, a veteran also disabled, has been unable to work since 2008.

The couple's only income right now is a small veteran's pension that doesn't cover their basic living expenses.

They "struggle and juggle along." There isn't enough money to buy food, so they work hard to make good use of the meager amount of food stamps they receive.

"It's really hard, every single day," the wife said. "It's easy to get discouraged having to live like that."

Last year was the first time the couple asked for holiday help from Press Christmas for All.

"It was so heartwarming. Thank you. We are proud to be members of this community," she said. "You are wonderful. For a few precious moments, you let us know that this community cares about us. That is the most memorable Christmas gift we've ever known."

With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.

Last year, our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of 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 26th 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 for Shopko and Super 1. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.

To donate, 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.

Recent donors:

David & Patricia Fox; Clyde Ylitalo; Robert Trommler; Frank & Betty Ann Henderson; Anonymous; M.R. & N.V. Blakely; Joe & Edelmira Michels; Teena & Dennis Laramie; Fred & Karen Tittelfitz; Sherry & Dennis Irish; Phyllis & Dale Holte, In loving memory of Ron & Rod; Donald & Maxine Schierman; William & Gloria Vonberg; Anonymous; Rebecca Dicksion; Michael & Linda Van Cheri; David & Carneiro; Leroy & Ada May Foster; John & Roberta Jamieson; Norman & Linda Lewis; James & Patricia Smith; Bruce & Jenet Vickerman; Mary Jones; J.W. & B.M. Baker; Marilyn Freeman; Clifford & Sharon Harris; Anonymous Cd'A Family; Carlie Grimm, In loving memory of Harvey Grimm; J. & P. Dixon; George & Karen Wells; Anonymous; Lucille Talley; Virginia Daly; Barbara & H.David Zimmer; Conrad & Trudy Chisholm; Cliff & Darlene Lenz; The Shinneman Family, In memory of Deborah & Randy; Fern & Virgil Anderson; J.F. Anderson; Terry & Marcia Fisher; June & Delmar Gittel; Anonymous; Susan & John McGinnis; Marjorie Bald; Dan & Marilyn Roden; Jerry & Sue Spreen; Herbert & Betty Cheeley; Silda Pollard; Rodney & Darlene Shriner; Dorothy Dunn; Cindi Denis; Vern & Marje Peterson, In loving memory of our grandson, Dustin J.C. Peterson; Gordon & Audrey Wurmnest; Charles & Donna Walker; Anonymous; Ned & Diane Tower; Renee & Patrick Miller; Dale Holst: Anonymous; Dick & Jean Schmidt; Daniel & Linda Green; William & Janice Bodlander; Larry & Patricia Bishop; Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Chang, M.D., In loving memory of Marilynn Sachtleben; CDF Landscape Professionals, Inc.; Anonymous; Barstow Foundation

Notes from our donors

Thanks for all you do. May God bless all of you.

DAN GREEN