This mom said it’s hard not to cry during the holidays when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.

There are never any family vacations, visits to restaurants or extras beyond the basics for her husband, kids and herself.

And even meeting their basic needs is a challenge.

They rely on the local food bank and their church’s food bank to be able to put food on the table each day, she told Christmas for All.

“Christmas is such a difficult time for us. I put on a happy face for my kids. They are such good kids, and with big giving hearts,” the mom said. “They don’t expect presents, but are always very grateful if they get one.”

She said her greatest wish for Christmas is to be able to give her family a happy holiday.

“They truly deserve it,” she said. “This program is so special … Thank you for your generosity and for considering our application.”

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. Secure donations can be made by phone by calling 208-664-8176.

Recent donors:

James and Grace Rebal; Robert Gridley; Robert and Teresa Shaw; Dwayne and Anita Moore; Larry and Karen Groscost; Gregory and Carolyn Tensmyer; Mike and Cindy Clabby; Gregory and Debbie Hart; James Emerson; Christopher Houghton and Norma Wilson; Thomas and Judith Townsend; Jamie Danish; N. Idaho Unitarian Universalists “In memory of Maj Stormo Gibson”; Robert and Paula McCall; David and Anne Albrecht; Harold Scheiner and Mary Mariner; Robert and Margaret Mathes “In memory of Ida Pedey”; Kootenai Charities, Inc; Chuck and Margie Adams “In memory of our son Chuck Jr.”; Sholeh & Michael Patrick; Dean & Cheryl Merrill; Joe Culbreth; Bob & Nancy Thiessen; Steven Griffitts “In memory of Jim & Shar Griffitts”; Gary & Judy Denny; Thomas Leach; Douglas & Vickie Young; Delphine Kenney; Larry & Laurie Schwenke; Bart & Bonnie Chamberlin “In memory of Rusty Carlson & Kevin Chamberlin”; Jeremy & Rebecca Martin; Shannon Howry; Patrick Sayers; Robert & Cathyanne; Lucie Maier; Milton & Catherine Schauble; Gwynneth Andrus; Ann & Mark Testroet “In memory of Betty & Joe”; Herb Severtson; Rebecca Sputhe; Lohman Catron; Loretta Harris; Becky Shellman “In memory of Lee & Lisa Shellman; Jim & Donna Runge; A.L. & Betty Smeltzer; Carol & Walter Maloney, Jr; Roger Brockhoff “In memory of Joyce”; Mari & Craig Walker; Edith Brehm; Keith & Valerie Peila; Patty Humpherys; Don & Laveda Ziegler; Peyton & Linda Graham; Sandra & Frederick Ambrose, MD; P & D Spence; Handshake Productions; Runge Furniture Company; Ron & Troy Anne Evans; Barbara Holcombe “In memory of Frank & Pauline Holcombe”; Susan Trenkle “In memory Art Trenkle”; Northwest Specialty Hospital-Rick Rasmussen; Gerald & Donna Vanderzanden.