An older couple and their teenage daughter are facing tough times after the dad suffered a heart attack last month.

"He was out of work for a week," the mom wrote to Press Christmas for All.

Thankfully, they have health insurance, and the dad will recover.

However, the portion they are expected to pay of the nearly $100,000 hospital bill is going to devastate their single-income household. It will clean out what little money they do have and leave them with practically nothing.

They've already felt the impact of the loss of income and increase in debt. They couldn't even afford to have a Thanksgiving this year, and they're hoping Christmas will be a little brighter.

"All we really need help with is our holiday dinner," the mom said. "We would love to be able to give a gift to our daughter and our grandson."

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: Anonymous; Dianna Cook, in memory of my husband, Tom; Doug and Vickie Young; Anonymous; Nancy Moen Wilson and family; Dean and Cheryl Merrill; Richard and Janette Compton; Anonymous, as an honorable gift to Heidi Whipple; Anonymous.