Things were already difficult for this 61-year-old man.

He fell from a ladder last year, and became unable to continue working as an auto mechanic, the only work he has done for nearly 40 years.

"I haven't gotten disability yet, and I'm drowning," he said.

He said he's afraid he will lose his home, and said he is working with the electric company to make sure he can keep his power on.

"I've tried to do odd jobs here and there, work on some cars, but I just can't do much," he said. "I went finally went to the food bank a few weeks ago. That was hard."

He said he has trouble sleeping because he's worried all the time.

Divorced for many years, he lives alone. He has a daughter and granddaughter living in Montana. They're coming to visit for the Christmas holiday.

"If I could get a little help so I could make a nice meal for them, I would be so grateful. Thank you for this program," he said.

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:

Duane & Lola Hagadone, Tom & Kathy Schaper, Fraternal Order of Eagles Association, The Coeur d' Alene Press, Brad & Pam Kenmir, Richard & Karen Welts, Handshake Productions, Karen Jacobsen, Jeff Horne, Steve & Lavonne Hutchison, John Bushfield, Norwood & Cristy Garrett, Helen Rock, The Law Shop, Cecil & Leah Kelly, Hayden Car Wash LLC, Linda Nelson, Melvin & Gertrude Snyder, Darlene Williams, Doug & Dorothy Schedler, David Rawls & Hazel Bauman, Barbara Crumpacker, Brenda & Steve Hanson in loving memory of Ethan Alexander Kincannon, Nelson & Leslie Gourley, Diane Partridge, Nicholas Guyol & Ilona Kabai, Gene Helgeson & Mother Dorothy, Marc & Monique Stewart, Doug & Ann Jaworski, In Memory of Mary Bridges, Susan & Daryl Wilson, James & Ginger Lich, Craig & Jill Foss, Scott & Ivy Irons, Hank & Betsy Martin, North Idaho Credit, Sue Stiles, Denise Short, In Memory of 3G's, Steve & Rhonda Cross, Bob & Jennifer Rova, Jim & Kim McGee, Giles & Laurey Kavanagh, Sarah Hale, Kenny & Linda Johnson, In Loving Memory of My Brother, Dan MacDonald, Dennis & Mikki Stevens, Lou Anne Wise & Lorraine Olsheski, J. Willard, Robert & Louise Bluhm, Eric & Michelle Haakenson, Richard & Nicole English, Mountain Power Construction Company, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Timberline Resources Corporation, Transtector Systems, Coeur d'Alene Elks Lodge No. 1254, Marilyn Kriss, David & Marilyn Williams, George Silva, Gregory Franz, Mike & Connie Anderson, David A. & Carol Albertson, Robert & Marilyn Hunt, Able Concrete.