For anyone wondering about the impact of the partnership between The Press Christmas for All and Charity Reimagined, Maggie Lyons shares this note from one of the recipients, a mom of three boys.

"I am so grateful for you guys because it's people like you that give us single struggling parents hope," she wrote. "It is a blessing to know that we have people that care. I am not the greatest on words, but please know that I am very thankful for all that you have done."

Those words tell Lyons all she needs to know about whether The Press CFA program is making a difference and how much she appreciates those who support it.

This year, donations to the nonprofit totaled $205,005, the highest amount in four years and nearly 30% more than last year.

"Your financial support is restoring hope and dignity and opening doors to opportunity and stability that would otherwise not be possible for many in our county," said Lyons, Charity Reimagined founder. "As donors, you play a vital role in this groundbreaking effort that is dedicated to solving problems rather than merely 'band-aiding' them. I believe this year, especially our community understands that while emergency help is sometimes necessary, lasting change only comes from walking alongside people as they work to build stable, flourishing lives."

Because Christmas for All is run by volunteers and classified as a 501(c)(3) organization, every dollar goes directly to helping people, with overhead costs covered by The Hagadone Corporation, the Coeur d’Alene Press, Charity Reimagined and referring partners.

Since the program started, readers and friends of The Press have donated more than $1.5 million to help Kootenai County residents in need.

Charity Reimagined is a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits more effectively deploy their resources.

Clint Schroeder, president and executive publisher, Hagadone Newspaper & Media Groups, said this year’s Christmas for All campaign was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with purpose. 

"Every donation represents a family receiving a hand up, a child being supported, and a neighbor being reminded they’re not alone. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of Coeur d’Alene Press readers — and proud to be part of something that makes a real difference," he said.

Press reporter Devin Weeks has been writing Christmas for All stories since before the program transformed in 2019. She said she is grateful to the team at Charity Reimagined for their thorough and compassionate work connecting referring partners and resources to neighbors in need.

"Their support and understanding of the significance of this program helps streamline the story sharing process, allowing us to glimpse even further into the lives of the individuals and families Christmas for All funds support," she said.

That work is made possible by the incredibly generous and kindhearted community members who give to the program, many of whom are returning supporters.

"We didn't get the star on the top of the tree this year, but we were still able to give something a lot of people needed this Christmas — hope," Weeks said. "Thank you to everyone who gave that precious gift this season."

Lyons said CFA's financial resources are primarily dedicated to increasing access to stable housing, transportation, literacy/education, employment, physical and mental health support, and affordable day care. 

"Removing these barriers is the only way many of our poor and low-wage workers will move from surviving to thriving," Lyons said.

Lyons said CFA recipients are grateful for the help and support and want to return the favor.

She praised The Press for changing a "33-year well-intentioned program from short-term relief at Christmas to a year-round resource that provides a hand-up to people seeking a better future." She also thanked referring partners and local businesses for understanding their roles in helping people move forward.

"To everyone who partners with CFA, please know that your support helps turn compassion into real opportunity and makes lasting impact possible," Lyons said.

    Schroeder