Christmas Fund 1997 Thousands Will Benefit From Neighbors’ Generosity Fund Still Needs Nearly $327,000 Before Christmas

Even as you read the newspaper this morning, waking up with your first cup of coffee, a line will be forming at the former J.C. Penney Co. building at University City mall. Hundreds of moms and dads who need help will be waiting for The Spokesman-Review Christmas Bureau to open at 10 a.m.

Before the bureau closes on Dec. 23, thousands of poor families will have benefited from the goodness of their neighbors through The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund.

There are two weeks and one day until Christmas - and $326,695 for the Christmas Fund to raise to meet its goal of $425,000.

Tuesday’s gifts came to $13,656 for a year-to-date total of $98,305.33.

Raising nearly $327,000 in 15 days might seem daunting, but every day brings more and more contributions, giving hope that the goal will be met. Not only are people and companies giving, but many also are giving more than they have before.

For instance, owners of Kim Hotstart, a manufacturing company in business since 1942, have been longtime Christmas Fund donors, regularly increasing their donation.

This year, they gave $2,000 with a note from Rick Robinson, CEO: “I know that all of our employees and the community appreciate your effort to help those less fortunate than us during this holiday season.”

An example of Spokane helping its own is the $1,000 from the Masonry Industry Promotion Group, 102 E. Boone.

Kevin Krebs, executive director, wrote that the group is comprised of “signatory mason contractors, bricklayers from Local 3 and hod carriers from locals 238 and 348. We thank The Spokesman-Review for giving our industry an opportunity to brighten someone’s holiday season.”

An anonymous gift of $1,000 also was received Tuesday. And $900 came from Greg Coleman and Kim Roberts, owners of the Express West Shell station under construction at the Geiger exit on Interstate 90. They want “to wish all the children and families who will benefit from this tremendous fund-raising effort a safe and happy holiday season.”

The staff at Northwest OB-GYN, 105 W. Eighth, discussed what would be an appropriate gift for the clinic’s doctors, “who care so much for the women and babies of the Inland Northwest,” wrote Ann Gannon, manager. “It seems fitting that we give them the gift of giving for the women and children who need it most this time of year.”

Each month, the 30 employees put aside money to accumulate $500, given to the Christmas Fund on behalf of “the doctors who are wonderful employers and special people,” Gannon wrote. They are Drs. Robert Walker, Steve Brisbois, Peter Fern, Glen Hiss, Linda Partoll and Shawn Barrong.

Other gifts of $500 came from H.W. Watts, 707 W. Fifth; Spokane Valley Firefighters from Local 876, IAFF; and Virginia Boyles and family, 10515 E. 48th, “in memory of Don Boyles, a loving husband, father and grandfather who passed away in September.” Mr. Boyles had been a longtime contributor.

Ed Humes, 1207 E. Lyons, gave $300, as did Lindsay Soft Water of Spokane Inc., 1819 E. Sprague; Robert Schneider is president.

Contributions of $250 came from Yaddon Construction Specialties, Inc., 202 N. Napa; and James Love, 9817 N. Nez Perce Court. Members of the Dukes Auto Club gave $235.

Donations of $200 came from Francis Goodman, 15713 N. Edencrest Drive; William and Virginia Wallace, 4215 S. Martin; Tom and Sue Mauer, 10322 E. 26th; Dr. Walter Fernau Jr. 8314 E. Mount Spokane Drive; Rita and Gilbert Doran, 2910 E. Snowberry Lane; Dr. and Mrs. Richard Stacey, 4712 S. Magnolia; and three anonymous contributors.

Phyllis Francis, 4214 S. Magnolia, gave $175 in memory of Robert Francis. An anonymous donor on Big Meadows Road in Chattaroy gave $151; gifts of $150 came from John and Alexis Chasse, 4916 N. Sipple Road; Lorraine McNew, 1311 S. Westcliff Place; Paul May, Greenacres; Dawes and Mary Kay Eddy, 3027 E. 13th; and two who requested anonymity.

A challenge has been issued to all grandparents by Barbara and LeRoy Baxter, Greenacres, to give what they can in the name of their grandchildren. The Baxters and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Laurie, April, Keri, Kelly, Taylor, Kristie, Cody, Curtis and Brenden, gave $140.

Solomon and Louise Hill, 11708 E. Skyview, gave $130; Alan and Bev Massie, 5807 N. F, donated $125, with this note: “It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t share with those less fortunate than we.” Jerome Keller, 4710 Northwest Blvd., gave $125, as did an anonymous donor.

Kevin, Helen, Erin and Marla Paulson, Spokane, gave $125, saying they were impressed with an earlier donor’s increase of 10 percent in their Christmas Fund contribution.

“We are pleased that all of the funds go to help our local people and not to administrative costs,” the Paulsons wrote.

Contributions of $100 came from Sharma Shields, 5015 S. Regal; the South Side branch of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints; Margaret Miller, Carol Dunn, Peggy Beebe and Myrle Roberts, 710 W. Regina; Betty Bone, 700 W. Seventh; Jim and Elaine Peplinski, 10812 E. 20th, “in loving memory of former neighbor and dear friend, Bee Gist.”

Other gifts of $100 came from Lyn and Ethel Burns, Spokane, in memory of their sisters Gladys Peterson and Carrie Yelton; Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Nissen included a note, saying the Christmas Fund “is one of our favorite places to contribute at Christmas, mainly because it all goes to the people in need and not to any overhead.”

Helen Mayberry, 1802 S. Carnahan Road, gave $100, as did Doris Enzler, Chattaroy; Rovella Vawter, 3221 E. 14th; Edward and Joan Bougher, 1204 W. 20th; Anthony and Donna Pardini, Priest River; Katherine Simmons, 2917 S. Howard, wrote, “I like to support this fund because I know all of my contribution goes to help those who are in need.”

Gifts of $100 also came from Waldo and Lovena Hansen, 1008 N. Mamer Road; William and Lottie Moldovan, 3033 W. Eloika, who wrote, “Every time a hand reaches out to help another - that’s Christmas”; Albert Materi, 912 W. Frederick, “in memory of Rose, my father and deceased brothers and sister.”

Eugene Wolfe, 2115 W. Grace, gave $100, as did Beryl Davis, 1100 N. Superior; Joan Muir, 7920 E. Valleyway; the Association of Retired Washington Water Power Employees; Warren and Betty Jud, 1505 N. Mamer Road; Ronald and Sandra Willcocks, 1305 N. Wilbur Road; Dr. and Mrs. Lowell Mouser, 3924 S. Bernard; Dr. and Mrs. Richard Ahlquist, 2210 Southeast Blvd.; and Pat J. Sheehan, 549 Peyton Building.

Velma Armstrong, Spokane, gave $100, with this note: “Something for the little children - in memory of my dear sister Jane.” There were also 13 anonymous donations of $100.

, 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. For those needing help: The Christmas Bureau at 10600 E. Sprague (the old JC Penney space in the U-City Mall) will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Dec. 23. Bring identification, proof of residence and proof of every family member (such a medical coupons) to the Christmas Bureau. Questions?: A voice-mail answering service has been established this year. If you have questions about the Christmas Fund, call 459-5532.