It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means at least three things:

1. Leftovers galore

2. Holiday lighting ceremony at The Resort

3. Launch of the annual Press Christmas for All fundraising campaign

While you’re tossing down a turkey-and-cranberry sandwich and planning how to keep warm and dry for the festivities tonight, take just a moment please to consider something else: Those in Kootenai County who share your goodwill but not your good fortune.

For the 33rd consecutive year, The Press is asking for your help. The goal this year is to raise $175,000, an increase of $5,000 over last year’s goal.

Some things remain the same. For instance, every single penny raised will go to needy Kootenai County residents who right now are filling out applications for help. Because this 501(c)3 nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers at The Press, The Hagadone Corp. and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, we can asssure donors that every bit of their gift will go to the people applying for assistance. Also, partners Super 1 Foods and Shopko have agreed to add 10 percent to all gift cards purchased for Press Christmas for All. In other words, if we buy $100,000 worth of gift cards, Super 1 and Shopko will each provide $110,000 worth of gift cards. That makes every donation go 10 percent further.

Something is different. This year, Press Christmas for All volunteers are going to do their best to ensure the recipients working hardest to improve their lives get a little bit more help than the others. One of the reasons many donors have said they appreciate this holiday fundraiser is because it offers help to any local resident who needs it and fills out a fairly extensive application. Those assisted include many working poor — people with jobs that keep a roof over their heads but not necessarily a good holiday meal on the table or presents for their children under the tree. This year marks a new approach that we expect to broaden in future years: Whenever possible, a little extra for those who are working to improve their lot in life.

Last year, Press Christmas for All assisted 7,288 Kootenai County residents — young adults, the elderly, and most of all, children who otherwise faced disappointment on Christmas morning.

Please help make their Christmas dreams come true. Send your check to:

Press Christmas for All

215 N. Second St.

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on MENU on the top left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.

Press Christmas for All also gratefully accepts credit card donations. Call 208-664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.