This mom asked for help from Press Christmas for All because she doesn’t want to let her girls, ages 10 and 13, down on Christmas Day.

“My daughters understand that we don’t have much money and are great at telling me they don’t need anything but they are children so I know they will still hope to see something under the tree on Christmas morning,” she said when she applied for help from the holiday charity program.

She works full-time in social services.

“But like many families, we live paycheck-to-paycheck. We don’t receive any state assistance either,” she said.

She tried to set some money aside for Christmas, but unexpected expenses arose throughout the year. The family’s car broke down. They lost many of their possessions, including this mother’s bed, when their home was flooded. She now sleeps on an air mattress. And there were medical expenses that were not covered by insurance.

She said her girls are wonderful. She’s afraid that without help she may not be able to give them anything at all this year.

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, in memory of Walter Sorenson; Leslie and Nancy Biby; Barbara and John Hoffman; Anonymous, in memory of Maj StormoGipson; Judy Cady and Wendell Gardpie, in memory of our Joseph; John and Patti Dixon; Mark and Darlene Nason; Jack and Helen Yuditsky; Deanna Thornhill; Dale Holst; Ginny Westhafer, in memory of my best friend, Carole Steele; Cathy and Fred Potter; Anonymous, in memory of Steve Hancock, Jon Kosty, and Margie Nordstrom; Webb Trust; Charles and Dorothy Clock; Craig and Connie Burkhart; Olive Allison and Edward Lockwood; Anonymous, in memory of Patty Dahlman and Joan Gundlach; Steve and Janice Burris; Terrance Grutta; Betty Ann Henderson; Lawrence and Diane Boreham; Carlina Shelby; Reimer and Charlotte Sprecken; Larry and Paularianne Kmetz; Anonymous; Sherry and Dennis Irish; Ackers Logging Inc.; VFW Post 889; Jancie D'Arc; David and Karen Rae Crouse; Merry Christmas To All from Janice and William Bodlander; Dick and Jean Schmidt.