The Press Christmas for All hotline rang at noon Wednesday.

It’s the kind of phone call every elf loves to receive.

On the other end was Anonymous in Athol, a national celebrity with roots in Kootenai County. A in A, as he’s affectionately referred to at Press Christmas for All HQ, is the largest single donor to the program over the years. He not only insists upon remaining anonymous; he relishes the chance to assist local families in need who have no idea who’s helping them.

A in A asked for an up-to-the-minute update on donations, and was disappointed with the information. The fundraising campaign that’s helping more than 7,200 Kootenai County residents enjoy a merry little Christmas this year is just over halfway to its $170,000 goal, and the deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.

Anonymous in Athol immediately sent a $10,000 check by Federal Express.

“Tell you what,” he said. “Ask the good people of Kootenai County to do all they can to help reach the goal. If they can get you to $160,000, I’ll do the rest. I’ll send another check for $10,000.”

Whether you can give $5 or $5,000, please help ensure that nobody is left without a present under the tree and a hot meal on the table this Christmas in Kootenai County. Tax-deductible donation instructions are included in the accompanying Press Christmas for All story.