Blessed are the children.

We’re talking to you, Devon and Mia Flores.

The Flores kids, of Hayden Lake, sent tidings of great joy to The Press — money for strangers who need help, and thoughtful notes to Christmas for All volunteers.

“To the CDA Press,” wrote Mia. “Thank you for helping our local families. We would like to add a gift. Merry Christmas.”

Devon’s note struck a similarly sweet chord.

“Thank you for donating money to families in need around town,” Devon wrote. “P.S.: Here’s a gift and merry Christmas.”

With a goal of $300,000 this year, every single contribution helps the cause. But the CFA campaign, now in the final week of its 36th campaign, is bolstered by riches beyond measure whenever children answer the call. Maybe it’s because they can imagine what it would be like to do without even basic needs, let alone presents on Christmas Day.

Every year kids pitch in. They’ve come in with the shiny remnants from shattered piggy banks. They’ve brought cash from summer lawn mowings and nights of babysitting. They’ve signed over some of their own holiday treasure from loving relatives who had no problem with the children paying their good fortune forward.

Mia and Devon, it’s our turn to thank you. We thank you not just on behalf of the many big people who volunteer for this Christmas program, but for all the families whose lives very well may take a major turn for the better with inspiration and assistance from good people like you.

To those of you reading this who haven’t yet participated, there’s still time. You could do far worse than follow in the big footprints of Devon and Mia Flores.

Ways to donate

*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.

RECENT DONORS

Julia Shea; Patricia Schauer; Bill and Rita Leinweber; Jan and Constance Koal; Daniel Phillips; Kathryn Boss; Thomas and Sally Stuber; John and Susan McGinnis; Betty Bray Baker; Gerald and Janice Tice; Mr. and Mrs. Maple; Jim and Jerre Coleman; Rosanne Valentino;

Ray and Marcine Doyal; Gloria Robinson and Sandra Sammons; Roger Brockhoff, in memory of Joyce; Mark and Vicki Cole; Aaron Robb; Sam and Pam Whitaker, in loving memory of our moms, and Sandy; Jean Donaldson; Don and Robin Chisholm

OVER $500

Steve and Julie Hudson; David and Tara Teresa Flores; Pam Ness; Larry Echelberger, Ayco Charitable Foundation