It has been three years since the last mill shut down in Coeur d'Alene.

This father of three had worked there for 16 years, from the time he was in his early 20s.

He hasn't been able to work since the mill closed. He said his back isn't what it used to be.

He was the main provider for his family. For the past three years they have relied on his wife's wages as a certified nursing assistant, but they don't go far.

She is going back to school, he said, to increase her earning power, and help pull the family out of the tough spot they're in now.

"We are living in a fifth-wheel trailer in an RV park right now, waiting for our finances to improve," he said. "Without help from Christmas for All, our children would wake up to nothing on Christmas."

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:

Roger & Judith Johnson; North Idaho Classics Car Club, Inc.; Kathy & Bill Meeker; C. & S. Kirby; Diana & Kenneth Smitheman; Ed & Terri Morse; Hazel Borsvold; Sheila Gary; Patrick & Beverly Tebo; Cleo & Shirley Pulis; American Legion Auxiliary; Anonymous; Dale & Sharon Andersen; Jean Borley; Robert Avon; Dr. Ellen Jaeger; Jerald Jaeger; Irving Family; Oram & Sandra Kramer; Pat Arney, In memory of Jo Marie Arney; Raymond Gotz; Renee, Karen, Beverly & Jolee, In memory of mother Lois Riggs; Caitlin & Carly Gardipe; John & Juanita Mason; Violet Hague; Stacy Carson; Tim Bedal, & Linda Miller; John & Leoni Wilkinson; Katherine Phillips, In memory of Paul Phillips; George & Sally Helms; Karin & Kyle Brown; Marilyn & Richard Moore; Virginia Robson

Christmas for All

• This year's goal: $225,000

• Raised so far: $49,700

• Still needed: $175,300