COEUR d'ALENE - It was an offer no one could refuse.

Not Children's Village.

Not Tom Addis Lake City Ford.

Not the Kroc Center.

"It was extremely compelling," said Sara Colbert, manager at Lake City Ford. "There was no way that we could say no."

The proposal from Jason Sanchez went something like this: The architect major would create a gingerbread village based on Tom Addis Lake City Ford. The model would be set up in a place where people could stop, admire, and make a donation to Children's Village.

Sanchez made some final adjustments to what was coined "The Gingerbread Project" on Monday at the Kroc Center. Tiny toy cars were neatly lined up - just like at the dealership off U.S. 95 - while two small Styrofoam structures served as Lake City Ford and Tom Addis Auto Center.

Thanks to Google Earth, the Coeur d'Alene man got an overhead view upon which the village is based. He needed five days to complete a more modern view of the traditional gingerbread house.

"We had a lot of fun shopping for the cars," Sanchez said, smiling toward his wife, Melissa, who held their son, Weston. "We went to all the stores locally and bought out all the Fords."

Sanchez, a disabled veteran, has been struggling with health issues.

"I kind of got down," he said. "Why sit here and complain about my life when there's a lot of other people who need help? There's something that I can still do."

"People in need still are able to give as well. That was the bottom line."

He likes the team that was created between himself, Children's Village, Tom Addis and the Kroc Center. Tom Addis Lake City Ford provided the funds for materials, and Kroc provided the place for the village.

"Everything just fell in line," Sanchez said.

Janie Givas, Children's Village director, was impressed by Sanchez and his offer to use his talents for their benefit. She was equally moved by the village just inside the Kroc's front doors, where it will remain until year's end.

With many events there, including "Traditions of Christmas" that opens Friday, it's an opportunity for people to easily give to the nonprofit. There's a slot for donations of cash and coins.

"It's an important partnership," she said.

Colbert said it's an accurate depiction of Tom Addis Lake City Ford and the auto center, which offers new and used Fords, and other used makes and models.

"It's perfect," she said.

Major Ben Markham, Kroc Center director, welcomed the opportunity to help raise money for Children's Village.

"They're a great organization. We're very keen on what they do to help kids," he said, adding it's also a tribute to Tom Addis "and the great work he does in the community."

Sanchez, a 1998 Lake City High School graduate, said he hopes young and old find some holiday cheer when viewing the gingerbread village, and it generates contributions for the kids at Children's Village.

"It's our way of giving back for Christmas," he said.