Christmas Bureau opening day

The Christmas Bureau opened for the holiday season Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center.

Section:Gallery

Wed., Dec. 9, 2009

Chase Larson, 4, and his mother, Cathy Foster, enjoy the holiday sounds of Dick Townsend, left, and his group Inspiration as they sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to the long line of folks waiting at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center for the Christmas Bureau's opening day Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Christmas Bureau recipients hold their place in line during opening day Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
The singing group "Inspiration" entertains people waiting at the Christmas Bureau on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. The group includes, from left, Dick Townsend, Bob Billings, Dick Solberg and Don Tipke.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Dottie Instasi, 32, and her 7 month-old daughter, Izzaybella Grace, make their way through the toy-selection area of the Christmas Bureau on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Christena Evens brought her 2 year-old twins, Jaelyah and Jaicie, to the Christmas Bureau on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. The children each received a book before their mother took them to the toy selection area at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Arnautovic Ajsa, Cindy Beard and her son, Bryson, pore over the book selection at the Christmas Bureau on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. Beard was picking out books for nine children, and Ajsa was looking for her two children.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Christmas Bureau volunteers Dave Darling and Johna Packebush restock the toy area with a girl's vanity Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. The item was diffulcult to keep on the floor because it was so popular with the bureau's recipients.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
The Rev. Kenny St. Hiliare helps stock toys at the Christmas Bureau on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center. St. Hiliare is the co-chairman of the bureau.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review