COEUR d'ALENE - Dig deep, dear readers.

Your less fortunate neighbors need you.

With the holiday season officially here, the Press Christmas for All 2013 fundraising campaign begins today. The goal this year - the 28th annual campaign - is $190,000. That's what will put a glistening golden star atop the tree.

"With an economy that's steadily improving, we think $190,000 is reachable," said Brad Hagadone, president of Hagadone Communications. "This community has always stepped up for those in need, and we're proud to offer one of the best holiday fundraising programs anywhere."

Last year the goal was $199,000. When all the cheering and giving had ended on Dec. 25, a total of $182,948 had been collected. While that fell short of goal, 8,370 Kootenai County residents who needed your help still had a merry little Christmas, thanks to you.

Press Christmas for All is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit managed by The Hagadone Corporation. From the front desk and newsroom at The Press to accounting resources at the corporate level, Hagadone employees have volunteered for the program for almost three decades. That way, all overhead costs are borne by the company, and every penny donated goes to needy Kootenai County families.

Several years ago, staff at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue joined the party. Through their database tracking all applications and the use of their volunteers and warehouse space to joyously give out the program's proceeds, they've become an integral part of the program.

So shoot for the stars - a golden one atop the tree on this page in particular. The more money you help raise, the more we can give to Kootenai County's residents in need.

Your tax-deductible contribution can be mailed to The Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, or it can be made securely at christmasforallcda.com.

Every donor's name will be listed in The Press, no matter the size of gift, unless anonymity is requested.