Like many who ask for help from Press Christmas for All, this mom doesn't want anything for herself. Her only wish is to be able to give each of her three children a gift on Christmas day.

She has been raising them on her own, a pair of 8-year-old twins and an 11-year-old, since her husband died four years ago.

They did all right for a while, she said.

"I was working all the time, at my job and then at home taking care of the kids. I was tired all the time, but I was making ends meet. It was hard, paying for child care, but I did it," she said.

Earlier this year, that all changed when the mom was diagnosed with a heart condition and needed surgery. She will likely require another procedure within the next two months. She could no longer continue working, and the family's only income became a small social security survivors benefit they receive each month.

"I'm just trying to hold onto our house and feed my kids," she said. "It was so hard for them when their dad died, and this is terrible. I feel so bad."

She took in a roommate to help pay the bills, and started going to the food bank.

"I can't pay for the basics, so there is no way I can get the kids any presents at all this year," she 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 include:

Raymond Fischer; Jean & Ronald Voights; Dwayne & Anita Moore; Coeur d'Alene Sunrise Rotary; Julia Wirth; Coeur d'Alene Athletic Roundtable.