With Christmas only two and a half weeks away, a single mother of four is scrambling to provide a decent Christmas for her children.

She and her kids, ages 18 months to 14, are all staying with her parents while they wait for an affordable housing situation to open for them. The move dried up the mom's money and although she is working, she has to hold onto what she can.

"I have utilized all of my funds just to move here from a situation that was not good for my children," the mom told Press Christmas for All.

She said she doesn't rely on her parents except for the roof over their heads, which means she has to stretch her dollar to make ends meet.

And that means there will be few packages under their tree for their first Christmas in North Idaho.

"I have started work with two jobs, but with insufficient time to save for any type of Christmas gifts," she said. "I really would like for my children to have a first decent Christmas here in Idaho."

This is the 31st year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child. The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is a common factor.

Through Christmas for All, these less fortunate neighbors feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them. Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d’Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Online donations can be made by visiting cdapress.com/christmas_for_all.

Donations are also accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.

Recent donors: Sean Hoppe, Alexandra Ziegler, and Jaylene Ziegler; LaVon Stuart, in memory of my mom Bernice Stuart; Jan and Pete Obligato, In memory of Mike Obligato; Carlson Insurance Agency; Bill and Judy Drake.