These young parents want their family to be together at home for Christmas.

That wish may not come true because their second child was born in early November with several serious congenital defects.

The infant required surgery two days after she was born, and then additional problems were discovered. She was placed on a feeding tube and remains in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Still, the mom is hopeful they will be able to bring their baby home soon.

But it’s their other child she worries about as the family’s finances are strained and the Christmas holiday is fast approaching.

“Because of all of this and the weekly doctor visits while I was pregnant, my husband has had to take a lot of time off of work, and he is our sole provider for our family of four,” the mother said. “Our three-year-old has been so patient with this whole situation. We just want her to have a good Christmas.”

This is the 31st 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 a common factor.

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:

Dusty Rhoads “In Memory of wife Audrey Rhoads”; The Shaffer-Locke Family; Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge No 1254.