There's you.

And there's them: The many people, your neighbors, who could use a little help this Christmas.

According to data collected by the fabulous volunteers at Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, at least 7,261 county residents have asked for Press Christmas for All assistance this holiday season.

Please help ensure they get it.

With exactly one week left in the campaign — Friday, Dec. 22, is the deadline — Press Christmas for All has raised $68,330. That's a little bit ahead of where the campaign stood one year ago today, but far from reaching the $170,000 goal that needs to be met if all those neighbors are going to be smiling on Christmas morning.

Asked if she's seen any new or unusual trends in this year's requests for assistance, Press City Editor Maureen Dolan, one of the unsung Press Christmas for All volunteer heroes, nodded. Of the many hundreds of applications she's reviewed, domestic violence and abuse are being cited more than usual.

“These are mothers who had to grab their children and get out of the home,” Dolan said, adding that in many cases, the moms have struggled to make ends meet, even when they have full-time jobs.

As you consider a tax-deductible gift to Press Christmas for All, please remember that it is the working poor who receive much of the program's assistance. These aren't lazy people. They're hard-working adults trying to make a better life for their families, and for the time being simply are coming up a little short.

Please help. Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, or call 208-664-8176 to provide information for a secure credit card donation.

At least 7,261 people will thank you for it.