Life is good at Coeur d'Alene Elks Lodge 1254.

Membership has grown by roughly 50 percent over just the past few years, with the result that the benevolent organization's coffers have become harder to lift.

Well, the Elks lightened that load substantially to make sure their friends at Press Christmas for All kicked off the 2021 campaign with a bang.

The $10,000 gift, double what these kind North Idahoans had already been donating annually, launches this year's effort toward a goal of $300,000. It's an ambitious goal, but it does have a precedent.

Last year, with the unorthodox combination of COVID-19 woes and stimulus dollars flowing through the economy, Press Christmas for All raised a record $301,650. That blew away the previous record of $238,105, set in 2011.

Nobody saw last year's windfall coming. Perhaps this year's goal is unrealistic, but for the sake of making a major, positive impact on the community, it's best to aim high.

This is the 36th year of the program. Because Press Christmas for All is a 501(c)3 managed by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d'Alene Press and Charity Reimagined, every penny raised goes to Kootenai County residents in need. All overhead costs are borne by the company.

The fundraising campaign runs from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Day.

For those new to the area, Press Christmas for All has evolved over the years to now focus on local people in poverty who, with a little help, are willing and able to give themselves and their families a better life.

More than 20 organizations assist with the vetting process to ensure people working hard to help themselves get the hand up they need, not a hand out that would only continue their plight in poverty.

Outstanding businesses provide goods and services at or below cost for Christmas for All so recipients get car repairs that enable them to go to work and take the kids safely to school; for eye exams and eyeglasses so they can see well enough to fill out a job application; to buy tools of their trade so they can put their skills to work, find a home and feed their family.

Reaching the goal of $300,000 will go a long way in pulling local families out of the despair of poverty and into the realm of sustaining themselves — and their dignity.

Please help. Make your tax-deductible donation today any of four 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 All Sections at the top of the page, then click on Christmas for All 2020.

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