Anonymous in Athol has come through again.

Doesn’t he always?

On Tuesday, the man who is known internationally but prefers to maintain an anonymous profile for his charitable giving dropped $10,000 on Press Christmas for All. That doubles the largest gift received so far this holiday season, and Anonymous in Athol hopes it starts a chain reaction of large gifts.

Press Christmas for All could use the boost. By the end of the day Tuesday, the 31st annual fundraiser had reached just 54 percent of its goal, with four days left before Christmas.

“I see in the paper that we’re behind where we should be,” he told The Press. “My wife and I are happy to do this, to participate every year to the best of our ability.”

That ability has been demonstrated time and time again, year after year with enormous gifts. Last year, for instance, Mr. and Mrs. A in A came through in the 11th hour and assured Press Christmas for All reached its goal of $175,000.

This year, though, the bar is even higher: $185,000. Anonymous in Athol isn’t intimidated in the least. In fact, he sounds like he’s just warming up. With his $10,000 donation, he issued a challenge.

“There are other people in your readership area who really could be stepping up and pitching in,” he said. “Let’s see if we can get this thing racing ahead so everybody in Kootenai County has a merry Christmas this year.”

Anonymous singled out places like Hayden Lake and the Gozzer Ranch community as harboring generous souls who could also write a check for $10,000 and help Press Christmas for All reach its goal. But he also noted time is running short.

“They should be thinking, ‘If we can’t keep up with little old Athol, we should be ashamed!” he said with a laugh. “So let’s see people from surrounding communities step up to the plate.”

As much as $10,000 donations are joyously received, smaller contributions are also heartily welcomed. Donors can drop off or mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 or call The Press at (208) 664-8176 and make a credit card donation. All contributions are tax deductible.

Recent donors: Thomas and Stephanie Koennel; Harry and Elizabeth Martin; Daniel Phillips; Cornelius and Teresita Stoap; Judy Settle; Dr. Robert and Nancy Bell; Roger and Pamela Rowland; James and Joy Dreschel; Sharon Dunning; James and Robt Elgee; Shawn and Sara Swanby; James and Terry Hamby; Jay and Marjean Agather; Harry Robertson; Betty Marshall; Gerald and Helen Taylor; Craig and Janet Heilman; James and Toni Christy; Diana Oswald, in memory of my dear friend Danny Klundt; Bonnie McDowell, in memory of my husband George and son Randy; Elaine Marks, in honor of my son Drew; Jim and Marion Lynn; Laureate ETA Chapter; Brad Corkill; Ed and JoAnne Peterson; Doug & Debbie Magnuson.