Christmas Fund 1996 In Spokane, Angels Appear Every Christmas

Christmas is a time of stars shining brightly in the heavens two thousand years ago, of a stable and a manger filled with sweet-smelling hay substituting as a cradle for baby Jesus.

Christmas is also about angels. Angels telling Mary she’s going to bear the son of God, and awakening shepherds with their carols, announcing the birth of Christ.

It’s been centuries since angels have appeared on Earth in long, flowing robes, fluttering their wings. But some people insist angels are part of our lives today.

The person sitting next to you at work, or the family down the street, might well be angels.

The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund had two angels visit on Tuesday. One arrived with a check that made our hearts sing, and the other with a letter that swelled the music.

All of Tuesday’s gifts tallied $16,003.51, for a year-to-date total of $29,485.91. But keep in mind, the goal is $400,000. We can’t let down our guard.

Ludlow and Patricia Kramer dropped off a check at the newspaper’s guard station on the first floor. Inside was a check for $5,000 and a brief letter:

“The Ludlow Foundation would like to help with our contribution to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund.”

In a previous interview, the Ludlows said they don’t seek notoriety with benevolent gifts, but want to be in partnership with others to build things. They consider themselves as a couple who do good things.

Another letter that grabbed our attention was from an anonymous mother who donated $200 with this note:

“For five years, I was on public assistance and going to school with three children, and you helped provide an extra-special Christmas for my family.

“I never felt degraded or looked down upon when I applied for help. Through the years, the helpers (at the Christmas Bureau) have been wonderful.

“Now I have a good job and I want to return the kindness shown me to other needy people.”

The helpers she wrote of are not confined to bureau volunteers. With every check that’s written, another “helper” has been formed - and will probably have those angels singing loud and clear.

We recognize not every gift can match those highlighted today. And don’t feel badly if yours doesn’t. All we ask is for you to examine your funds - and your heart - and give to the Christmas Fund what you can.

Here are some facts about the fund begun 51 years ago:

Every gift of money is given in its entirety to the Christmas Bureau to pay for toys and food vouchers. Nothing is withheld for expenses. There are no salaries because everyone working at the bureau is a volunteer (talk about your angels!). There is no rent to pay since the building is donated. Gifts are tax-deductible since the money is distributed by the three non-profit agencies operating the bureau: the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America and Catholic Charities.

The names and addresses of the donors, along with their gift amounts, will be printed in the newspaper as a “Thank you” and as an accountability of all money received. If donors prefer anonymity, only the gift amount will be published.

Each child (18 and younger) in every low-income family applying for help receives a toy or game of first-rate quality. They are the toys and games their more affluent friends are asking Santa to bring them. Toys are bought in volume all year, whenever the sales are best. Parents choose gifts they think their children want to open on Christmas morning.

Each family receives a food voucher, varying between $10 and $50, depending on family size, to help pay for holiday groceries. The voucher can help buy a special meal, ingredients for Christmas cookies … The vouchers, redeemable at several grocery stores, can be used only for food. Nothing else.

Checks made to the order of S-R Christmas Fund may be mailed to The Spokesman-Review, Box 516, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane, 99210; or brought in to the newsroom on the fourth floor.

The Christmas Bureau will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday at 812 W. Riverside, the same place as last year. It will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through next Friday; Monday through Friday the following week, and Dec. 23.

Applicants need to present proof of occupancy (a heat bill) and proof of each family member living in the house (medical coupons).

Others “angels” donating Tuesday:

There were two anonymous gifts of $500. Giving $300 were Marion DeGroat, 13404 Broadway, and one anonymous donor. Giving $250 were Dr. Norman and Sharon Genung, 937 W. 33rd; the Inland Empire Mustang Club; and one anonymous donor.

Giving $200 were Mr. and Mrs. D.W. Steinke, Mead; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Prekeges, 3115 S. Howard; and Louis Franks, 12002 E. Valleyway, “given in memory of my beloved deceased wife, Vita M., and our dearest friends Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Burnside;” and Angelo “Doc” Momolite, 963 E. 10th, who wrote, “Always glad to help someone in need. Hope this little donation is of some help.”

Also giving $200: George and Stell Telfer, 4728 N. Maple; David and Betty Johnston, 6301 E. Seventh; Inland Empire Ceramic Assn., with a note saying: “We hope this can make someone’s Christmas happier.” There was one anonymous donation.

Giving $150 was Ted Blomquist, Spokane; Wanda J. O’Neil, Greenacres, who wrote: “This is a wonderful thing you’ve been doing for many years and your efforts are greatly appreciated! This donation is in memory of my husband with whom I spent 41 wonderful Christmases.” Hal and Joann Hayes, Liberty Lake, and one anonymous donor also gave $150.

Giving $120 was Anton F. Dauenhauer, Greenacres. Contributing $100 were Harry and Phyllis Churchill, 7026 N. Fischer Court; Jackie Whipps, 530 E. Garland, in memory of Virgil and Edna Whipps; Don and Carolyn Van Leuven, 5115 S. Pittsburg; Seward and Virginia Besemer, Veradale; Robert Anderson, Spokane; Anthony and Donna Pardini, Priest River, Idaho; Mr. and Mrs. Del Topoll, 1112 E. 54th; John and Janet Gray, 4521 E. Second; Elaine Freeman, 2716 W. Queen; Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Burns, 312 W. Hastings Road, and six anonymous donors.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CHRISTMAS FUND INFORMATION Mail or bring checks to: The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund, Fourth Floor Newsroom, P.O. Box 516, Review Tower, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99210.