Sometimes helpers need help too.

“Thank you for this program. Many times I have helped by donating because I know it’s an amazing program,” she told Christmas for All.

This year has been a rough one for her family, she said.

This mother of two is recently divorced and caring for two toddlers on her own. Her ex-husband is refusing to pay child support and has little contact with the kids.

Her 3-year-old is blind and requires frequent trips to visit specialists, and her other child has had recurring ear infections also requiring medical treatment. Doing this on her own, this young mother has missed many days of work.

“I work two jobs when I am available just to make ends meet and give my two beautiful girls everything they need,” she said.

This is the 32nd year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of people like this during the holiday season.

The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is common.

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.

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.

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 are tax-deductible and 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 goo.gl/WospPG.

Recent donors:

Steve Griffitts; Beverly Delavan “In memory of Jack Delavan”; J.B. and Dorothy Benoit; George and Rebecca Boifeullet; Christopher and Georgianne Jessen; Wagstaff Financial; Ted and Julianne Holt; Arthur and Nancy Flagan; Larry and Maureen Belmont; Faith Langstaff; Kathleen Henderson “In memory of Robin Leferink”; Mike and Rachel Irish; Ray and Beverly Garland; Christine Gylling; Carol Sorenson; Charles and Linda Sabatke; Coeurly Q’s Square Dance Club; Karman Baker and Betty Bray-Baker; Kyle and Karin Brown; Del and Lucille Bradshaw; Leslie and Nancy Biby; Lennis McLeod; Auriel Arrotta; Wesley and Theresa Woods; Kathy and Russell DiBiase; Michele Troxel; Ralph and Judith Nelson; Kenneth Olsen; Darrel and Beverly Wilson; Steven and Roberta Worle; Robert and Jackie Jewett; Faye Ferguson; Robert and Judith Zeiss; Alan and Mary Pettit; Howie and Jennifer Stalwick; Janet Lindstrom-Atchley and Lesley Atchley; Jeremy Shute; William and Janice Bodlander.