As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is one of those stories.

“Clara,” a disabled senior, hesitates to ask for help.

Years ago, when she ran a local business, she donated annually to Christmas for All and other charities. She later survived cancer, but medical bills and other challenges forced her business to close. She would rather give help than receive it.

“It was so nice and so difficult at the same time to be on the other end of that,” she said. “I wasn’t used to it. But it has given me a new appreciation for people who do kindness because it makes the heart feel good, not for any other reason.”

Clara lives alone in a mobile home. This winter, her furnace blew out just as temperatures plummeted, putting her in danger. She used space heaters to keep warm.

A technician from J.A. Bertsch Heating and Cooling who examined Clara’s furnace was worried for her safety. He contacted Christmas for All to see if the program could help.

“That was where the ball started to roll,” Clara said.

Christmas for All and J.A. Bertsch worked together to help Clara. The company installed a new furnace at a discount, while the charity program paid for two-thirds of the cost — and an anonymous donor covered the rest.

When Clara learned about the gift, she was floored.

“I broke down,” she said. “I was shocked. God bless them. That doesn’t say enough, but I don’t know the right words.”

Now, in subzero temperatures, Clara has heat. Her pipes won’t freeze. She’ll be safe in her home, this Christmas and beyond.

There are many “Claras” in this community — independent seniors who don’t need ongoing services, but who experience sudden financial hardships. Christmas for All helps people like Clara get through those crises, with generous support from the community.

Clara said the unexpected gift she received through Christmas for All reaffirmed what she always knew: that Coeur d’Alene is a loving community full of people who want to help.

That thought warms her more than any furnace.

“When you give, do it from the heart,” she said. “Don’t expect there to be any brownie points in heaven or anywhere else. You have to do it with pure love from the heart.”

Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are four 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

• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All 2022 and make a secure, online donation.

• 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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