We didn’t put a star on the top of the tree this year, but we came, oh, so close.

The final fundraising tally for the 38th Annual Press Christmas for All campaign was $174,555, hitting nearly 90% of the $200,000 goal. 

The donations, received over the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, represent a stellar community accomplishment. More importantly, they are a reflection of the enduring kindness and compassion of the people of Kootenai County. 

Together, Christmas for All donors has once again ensured that throughout the year, our less fortunate friends and neighbors who are working to improve their lives have a resource that allows them to maintain their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help them get back on their feet.

You have helped single moms and dads working toward college degrees and technical certifications continue going to school when their cars break down or their laptops die. Your donations have made it possible for many parents to continue on a path to improve their children’s quality of life while setting an example of resiliency for them.

Your donations have made it possible for individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges to achieve greater independence. Your dollars have helped elderly neighbors stay in their homes; provided working parents dealing with health challenges the means to continue providing food and shelter for their families; helped individuals in recovery from addictions overcome obstacles as they rebuild their lives; and so much more.

It’s important to note, these are not merely “gifts,” but assistance to help these neighbors build on what they have achieved so far, without backsliding, when they hit a rough patch along the way.

Recipients are asked to pitch in a small amount toward their award to remind them of their capacity and resourcefulness. The "co-pay" is small and calculated on a sliding scale of income, but ensures these neighbors actively participate in their award. 

We look forward to next year, when we will share with you the inspiring stories of the recipients your donations will help in 2024.

Christmas for All is a combined effort of The Hagadone Corp. and Charity Reimagined. Every penny raised goes to Kootenai County residents who could use a hand up, rather than a handout, as they endeavor to rise out of poverty. Recipients are all referred to Christmas for All by local nonprofits and service agencies.

Chris Green, a clinical social worker at Heritage Health, one of Christmas for All’s referring partners, told us that without Christmas for All’s donors and Charity Reimagined, "there would be no other way to meet specific needs that are far outside the financial reach of these individuals.”

“And when they are awarded, it restores hope to these vulnerable neighbors right here in our community,” Green said. “It literally brings hopes and dreams to those who have none … to see these individual faces light up and to see their lives begin to transform through a well-thought-out and targeted award — well it’s priceless.”

On behalf of all the Christmas for All volunteers and our friends at Charity Reimagined, thank you to the hundreds of people who contributed to this year's campaign. 

Without you, none of this would be possible. 

RECENT DONORS

Susan Williamson; Ebert; Gil & Rita Rossner; Claudia Miewald; Mary Ann Garringer; Marjo; Tom Moorhouse; John Goedde; Richard & Nona Barclay; Linda Fibian & Jim Ummel; Fred & Linda Quigley; Glenn & Kristina Jacklin; Teddy Conger; Charles & Susan Reince; John & Connie Kaupp; Linda Nelson; Josephine Prophet; Roger & Judith Johnson; Carol Fundane't; Lawrence & Joanne Castor; Connie Northrup; In Loving Memory of Kate Harrison; Robert & Sally Wallace; In memory of Ralph & Mabel Madland; In Memory of Ginny Delong; J.A.. & Jeanne Emerson; Giannine O'Connor; Ronald Deady; Jack Domit; In Memory of Roger Hansen

$500 or MORE

In Memory of Riley Shults; Robin & Mary Jo Shaw; Nancy Wright; Infinite Electronics International; Paul & Mary Ann Stoll