Christmas Fund 1997 Giving Comes Full Circle Once In Need, Donor Now Helps Others With Contribution

There’s probably nothing more convincing than word-of-mouth testimonies.

They speak for themselves. And they can speak volumes.

A $50 contribution to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund was received Wednesday, accompanied by heartfelt testimony: “Enclosed you will find my contribution to the Christmas Fund,” wrote Alan Stacey, 3555 N. Freya. “I made a promise to myself several years ago that I would return what I had received. This fund helped immensely in the past. There were times my family would not have had a Christmas without the assistance of this fund.

“This is one of the most worthwhile organizations I know. This program really does show the generosity of Spokane residents. I know from experience.

“I would also challenge all professional counselors in the area to match this contribution.”

The counselor has spoken. Stacey’s contribution helped bring Wednesday’s total to $7,434 for a grand total of $22,549.13.

Messages like this validate the Christmas Fund and the generosity of all those who support it.

The sole purpose of the Christmas Fund is to help our down-and-out neighbors enjoy the holidays. It buys toys for children and provides food vouchers for a more festive meal.

It’s a simple mission, but such an important one. Just ask Alan Stacey or thousands of others who, through no fault of their own, find themselves standing in line for a helping hand at the Christmas Bureau.

And isn’t it wonderful they can be helped by the generosity of their community?

What a great place to live. A place where people look out for one another.

Others helping to meet the Christmas Fund’s goal of $425,000 with gifts of money received Wednesday are:

Patricia Scholz, Medimont, Idaho, who gave $1,000; and two anonymous donors who each contributed $500. Giving $250 were Mr. and Mrs. George Telfer, 4728 N. Maple; members of Assistant’s Inc.; and Dick and Trudy Raymond, 11923 S. Player Drive, who gave “in loving memory of our parents, Eva Marie Raymond and Donald MacLeod Thompson. May God bless you for your efforts during this wonderful time of year, and hopefully the caring and sharing of Christmas will continue all year.”

There was an anonymous gift of $249. Gary and Sharon Randall, Colbert, sent $225 “to thank our parents, Les and Clara Randall.”

Spokane County Courthouse members of AFSCME Local 1553 gave $200, with a challenge to all other AFSCME locals in particular, and all labor unions in general, to match or beat their gift, wrote Wanda Clark, recording secretary.

An anonymous gift of $200 was received with this note: “We have doubled our contribution this year since we feel the need is greater.”

Contributions of $100 came from Judith Gardner, 128 W. 27th; Phyllis and Doug Churchill, 7026 N. Fischer Court; Robert and Robin Simpson, 4916 S. St. Andrews Lane; Gust Abariotes, 11708 E. Cataldo; K.W. Reugh, 4814 S. St. Andres Lane.

Ted and Rae Blomquist, 2024 S. Parkwood Circle, mailed in $100, as did Mike and Kathy Eaton, 2520 S. Magnolia; Mr. and Mrs. John Kennedy, 117 W. 14th; Evelyn Phillips, Liberty Lake; Jack Sandberg, 13700 N. Division, in memory of Jerrie Ann; and Gene Fierce, 6015 N. Elm, “in memory of Shirley Jean Austin, a wonderful wife and daughter.”

Virginia and Seward Besemer, gave $100 and wrote: “Thank you for making it possible to see that all the money donated to the Christmas Fund goes directly to the agencies involved in operating the Christmas Bureau.”

Other $100 gifts came from Sue Brown, 2903 E. 25th; Kent Aggers, 4512 W. Weile; Mark and Terry Hoover, 3430 S. Jefferson; Christine and Jim Easling of the Best Red Schoolhouse, 4310 N. Best Road.

Judy Laddon and Lawrence Shook, longtime supporters of the Christmas Fund, gave $100 with this note: “Thank you so much for the generosity and help you provide so many families.” There were eight anonymous gifts of $100, one given as a memorial for Tena and John Patterson of Osborn; and another “in memory of Charles McCoy and John Sullivan, our fathers.”

R.D. Critchfield, 4718 N. Farr Road, sent in $80, with this note: “May the birth of our Lord unite people with love. This is in loving memory of Vera and Harold Barber, Coeur d’Alene. Thank you for making the true spirit of Christmas live.”

Jeff and Brenda Danner, 2111 S. Fawn Drive, gave $75, as did Wilma James, who wrote, “Perhaps with my small donation I can help give a few happy Christmas memories to a child such as the one I have growing up in Spokane.”

Gifts of $50 came from Lloyd and Ellen DeVore, Pasco, who gave “in memory of our precious grandson, Danny, who is sorely missed by his mother, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins - he was such a loving, caring son and grandson.”

Lois Richards, 5910 N. Summit Lane, also gave $50, as did Albert and Mary Jane Blair, 10610 E. Nixon Lane; Steve, Gail and Bea Quaid, Colbert; Sharon McGahan, Ritzville, in memory of her son Clint Staines, and husband Wayne McGahan; and Larry and Bettie Bockstruck, Bayview, Idaho, with a note saying “We’re pleased to help.”

Barbara and John Anderson, 2311 W. 16th, gave $50, along with Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hayward, 4248 E. Hartson; and Arthur and Peggie Reese, 12912 E. 12th, who wrote they hoped their gift would help. It will.

There were four anonymous donations of $50. Don and Barbara Crippen, 40 E. 16th, gave $30.

Gifts of $25 came from Annette and Barry Barfield, 609 W. 17th; Steven Argule, 7620 S. Ramona Road; Eileen Rudd, Veradale; Doris Hassing, 7918 N. Standard; Sandi King-Hunt and Randy Hunt, Medical Lake, who wrote: “This donation to help make someone’s holidays happier is sent in loving memory of our mother and father, Margaret Stanley and Arthur Hunt.”

Warren Elmquist, 2814 W. Lyons, gave $25, as did Mrs. Robert Pohl, 221 E. Rockwood Blvd.; Jessie Quincy, 3826 S. Alder Drive; Joyce Graham, 330 E. 20th; June Williams, 330 E. 20th; Nancy Kiss, Metaline; and one anonymous donor.

Betsy Hartman, 4020 W. Longfellow, wrote with her $20 gift: “I’d like to tell you happy holidays and this is my fourth year donating money and I enjoy helping less fortunate people who would like to celebrate Christmas and I hope the newspaper reaches its goal.”

Thanks, Betsy. We do, too.

The Lake Creek Ladies Club in Worley, Idaho, gave $20.

And, the Griffin children - 7-year-old Christina and 5-year-old Charles - 1022 W. 30th, not only gave $10 to help other children have a happier Christmas, but they included a picture they drew of a Christmas tree with two packages beneath it. It brightens up my computer. Thanks.

, DataTimes