REFER: Hear the tale of how Christmas for All began

COEUR d’ALENE — Press Christmas for All badly needed a boost, so you-know-who answered the call.

No, silly. Not Santa. His arrival is still a little ways off.

Anonymous in Athol.

A in A, as we like to call him, threw a gorgeous $10,000 log on the CFA fire. The program is still running behind in its quest to reach $300,000, but A in A’s gift represents a huge step toward the finish line — which in this case is actually putting a bright gold star atop the CFA Christmas tree.

A in A has always insisted that we not name him and his beneficent heart. He chuckles merrily knowing that he’s helping so many Kootenai County residents without their ever knowing where that fount of generosity originates.

A in A was also a close friend of the late, great Duane B. Hagadone. Hagadone passed away in April, but one of his many legacies — Press Christmas for All — endures.

“This one’s for Duane,” A in A said in a phone interview. “I hope everyone reading this who wishes to honor CFA's founder will give generously.”

Generous could be A in A’s middle name. You can’t really put a number on generosity, but what the heck: We tried. We know Anonymous in Athol is the program’s single greatest contributor, and here’s proof.

Going back to 2001 and including today’s $10,000 gift, A in A has tucked $199,000 under the Press Christmas for All tree.

2001: $5,000

2002: $5,000

2003: $5,000

2004: $5,000

2005: $5,000

2006: ----

2007: ----

2008: $10,000

2009: ----

2010: $10,000

2011: $10,000

2012: $12,000

2013: $12,000

2014: $20,000

2015: $20,000

2016: $10,000

2017: $20,000

2018: $20,000

2019: $10,000

2020: $10,000

2021: $10,000

TOTAL: $199,000

Next year, if the fates allow, A in A will cross the unbelievable $200,000 level.

In the meantime, there's only 10 days left until Christmas Eve 2021. Please support your neighbors in need one of the following ways:

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

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

*Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2021.

*Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

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