One challenge down.

And one big one to go.

The community responded in a huge way to Anonymous in Athol's challenge to raise $150,000 in this year's Press Christmas for All fundraising campaign. When that plateau was reached Thursday afternoon, Anonymous delivered a $10,000 check.

While the overall goal of $225,000 is still at arm's length, another couple days of giving like what was seen in the final 24 hours of the Anonymous Challenge will bode well for Press Christmas for All. Here are some of the highlights from those wild 24 hours to meet the challenge:

* Timberline Resources, whose offices are directly behind the newspaper's, became first-time Christmas for All boosters with a whopping $2,500 donation to the program.

* A representative from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe arrived Thursday afternoon with a check for $2,500 - and a request that the paper not mention where it came from. They wanted to help meet the challenge without generating publicity. Sorry, Chief Allan, Helo Hancock and the rest of you who are filled with the holiday spirit. Your donation is greatly appreciated and your kindness begs to be noted.

* The owners of Fairway Grocery and Gas on Kathleen Avenue just west of Ramsey might have been the best story of the challenge. Gary and Joan Tolerico donated $2,000 on Wednesday afternoon. When Shawn Gust, a Press photographer, thanked them for their generosity, they gave another $1,000. Those folks take these challenges seriously - and step right up to help needy neighbors.

* Individuals streamed into Press offices with checks from $20 to $1,000. One woman put a crisp $100 bill on the counter, said "Merry Christmas" and walked out the door. Some donors were frustrated by phone lines being tied up by those donating by credit card, but they persevered and made their contributions.

Now the program turns to the final two days of giving.

Time is short. There's still a long way to go - almost $65,000 is still needed in the next two days to meet goal.

If you can, please, spread some joy.

Notes from

our donors

Thank goodness for Bob Paulos and his wonderful vision!

VIRGINIA SMITH

Notes from our donors

So many people are hurting this year in many ways including health, finances and having lost loved ones. I just want to say thank you to the Coeur d'Alene Press, volunteers at the Hagadone Corporation, as well as the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue people for doing so much for our community. Words cannot express how these stories touch our hearts and how blessed many of us are to have income, a home to live in as well as good health. God bless you for this tremendous outreach program.

LARRY and ADRIENNE UNRUH

Please accept this check on behalf of the students at Timberlake Junior High School. We raised money by selling candy grams and having a hat day at school. We hope this will help some of our local families in need.

GEORGEANE GRIFFITH

Principal