As we sprint toward the fundraising finish line for Press Christmas for All, we hold out hope that this year's goal of $190,000 will still be reached. That's the magic number to meet the needs of all 9,200 Kootenai County residents seeking help during this, the 28th annual Press Christmas for All campaign.

Despite some tremendous giving the past few days - donations large and small, but all great - a shortfall is projected with just three more days 'til Christmas.

Last year, the campaign fell some $18,000 short, and nobody associated with the program - the hundred or so volunteers, and the thousands of donors - liked the feeling that left in the pit of the stomach. All we want for Christmas is to meet our goal.

There is some momentum, thanks to $10,000 on Wednesday from Universal Funding Corp. in Spokane Valley. This is the second year Universal and the Wozow family in particular have stepped up for Press Christmas for All.

The program also got a big lift with $5,000 from Tom and Jim Addis of Lake City Ford. Did you know that Tom was one of the original donors back in the mid-'80s? And that he has been there for us every single year since then - the only major donor who can make that claim?

Our two commercial colleagues, Super 1 Foods and Shopko, also put plenty of presents under the tree and food on the table by donating $8,538 each.

We're hopeful that Anonymous in Athol's challenge is fully met. This famous citizen who mirthfully insists that we not disclose his identity joins Addis at the top of the list of good boys and girls who have given the most over the years to Press Christmas for All. He has challenged one citizen from each Kootenai County community to come in to The Press and donate $1,000 - anonymously. He'll match it. And guess what? On Friday, four beautiful, benevolent and anonymous souls came in out of the snow and walked away $1,000 lighter. Bless them!

And now, while more $1,000 anonymous donors are beckoned, a little bit from a lot of people will likely make all the difference in the world. As Bing Crosby noted in Christmas is a comin', "The more you give at Christmas time, the more you'll get."

Let's get there together. Please make out your check today and drop it in the mail tomorrow:

Press Christmas for All

201 Second St.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814