COEUR d'ALENE — Press Christmas for All 2020 is already more than a quarter of the way through its 35th annual campaign.

But could you use a little uplifting news? Thanks to many previous donors increasing their gifts and a slew of new benefactors giving $500 or more, the campaign is nearly a third of the way to its $200,000 goal.

"I hope you're sitting down," CFA volunteer Eric Haakenson emailed late Friday afternoon with the updated tally. "We're at $60,058 today, and last year at this time we'd raised just $35,817. Let's hope this continues!"

Haakenson noted that the more money donated, the more Press Christmas for All can help reduce poverty in Kootenai County and assist needy families in getting on their feet.

Besides, with less than three weeks to go in the campaign, there's still a gap of more than two-thirds between what's been raised so far and reaching goal.

If you haven't contributed yet, please do so in one of the following ways:

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

• Go to cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2020 at the top of the page.

• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown CDA.

With some of the donations dropped off or mailed to The Press are treasures in themselves. Here are just a few from the first full week of the campaign.

Notes from our Donors

Please accept this gift from my wife, Janice Bodlander, who passed away recently and wanted to contribute to "Press Christmas for All" to help those in need during this holiday season. Attached is a check for $700 for that purpose. — Mr. Bodlander

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I believe that Maggie Lyons has the right approach to giving. Gail and I are pleased to be able to help this year. Good job, Press. — Jim English

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Thank you and blessings to all who make all of this happen for our folks in need. — Sally Donovan

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I support your goal of $200,000 this year. So, I must help by upping my game.

I usually allot $100 out of my annual charitable giving to the Press campaign. This year I must send $200.

God bless everyone involved. — Catherine Tinder

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This donation is to remember William (Bill) Capen, U.S. Air Force (retired).

Bill was a veteran of both WW2 and Korea. He was also a life member of the American Legion.

Bill passed away this year and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Thank you. — Harold E. Markiewicz, U.S. Air Force (retired)