Christmas Fund 1997 Added Together, Donations Are The Sum Of Christmas

Compassion. That’s what’s needed at this time of year.

A man called the newspaper Thursday afternoon to urge The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund to stress the desperate conditions of our low-income neighbors.

Life is tough for those who don’t have enough, he said.

Statistics report unemployment is down. Tell that to those standing in line at the Christmas Bureau in the University City Mall who can’t find work.

And, most of those who do have jobs are paid minimum wage - not enough to cover such “emergencies” as Christmas.

Roz and Dee Leitz of Hayden Lake said it well:

“Christmas in all its joy must be a very sad time for those parents that cannot provide a decent meal - or gifts - for their children.

“I’d like to contribute more, (but) hope the $25 will make an ever-so-small difference.”

Thank you, Roz and Dee Leitz, for your compassion and your gift.

Contributions of $75 came from Mr. and Mrs. Carl Soelberg, Deer Park; Gale S. Eymer, 215 W. Rainier Way; and two anonymous donors, one who wrote, “We save change throughout the year, giving us a chance to remember those less fortunate, not only at Christmas time, but all year long.”

Giving $50 were Michael and Konni Dietz, Mead, who wrote, “We feel blessed as we recognize the needs of others and are fortunate to be able to help”; Ted and Margaret Byers, 5823 N. Northwood Drive; Shirley M. Flake, 11610 E. 36th; Will and Betty Birr, Otis Orchards; Robert E. Snyder, 2614 E. Foxwood Drive; Ben and Eileen Fawcett, 1423 W. Ardmore Drive.

Ken and Cathy Clegg, Mead, gave $50 as did Lorraine Duffy, 2830 W. Lyons; and Jane Williams, 12623 E. Broadway.

Doris Fankhauser, a kindergarten teacher, gave $50 “in honor and appreciation of the gentle, hard-working, kindergarten students at Hamblen Elementary. They are my joy, and the sweetest little sugarplums in the sight of me, their parents, our school and their teachers.”

Other $50 donations came from Dr. Bill H. Molsberry, 4407 N. Division; Pat, Karen and Kelly Ryan, 3411 E. 29th, in memory of Red Sanders; Credit Bureau Services, Spokane; William and Louise Yocom, Newman Lake; Mr. and Mrs. James Hordemann, 2310 W. Dell Drive; Milton and Joyce Johnson, 1517 W. Pinehill Road; Delbert and Rojean Flory, 12402 E. 19th, who wrote “We’re glad to play a small part in making a merry Christmas.”

Other $50 gifts came from Laurence A. Bolks, 12912 E. 12th; Mr. and Mrs. James L. Erdahl, 10310 E. Empire; Harriett Jacobson, 11107 E. Empire.

Residents of Sunshine Gardens Nursing Home gave $50 with a note from Donna Lambert, activity director: “It’s a wonderful feeling when those who are on the receiving end have the ability to give. And this year with their Christmas bazaar earnings from art, crafts and bake sale, they are able to give some for The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund.”

There were five anonymous donations of $50.

Mark, Therese, Monica (5), and Robby (2) Babler, 1812 E. 37th, rolled $43.91 in loose change they’d been collecting for the Christmas Fund. Monica separated the nickels, dimes and quarters. “She is happy that our donation will help other children to receive toys at Christmas time, who otherwise might not have any,” one parent wrote.

Don and Karen Malisani, Cheney, gave $40, as did Oliver J. Richard, 353 N. Nebraska.

Giving $35 were Theodore and Roberta Beadle, 12011 N. Whitehouse; Neal and Marjorie Graeber, 2623 W. Wabash, who wrote, “To help a child have a happy holiday season.”

Phil, Diana, Adam and Matthew Taylor, 1714 E. 49th, donated $30 “In honor of Cal and Doris Fankhauser. They are a very special gift to those around them and a beautiful reflection of God’s special love.”

Other $30 gifts came from Robert and Charlene Christenson, Mead; Christine C. Larson, 12020 N. Vistawood Court; Alvida Williams, 928 E. 37th, who wrote, “There are so many, many needs, and I help several funds every year.”

Michael and Melinda Johnson, 2324 S. Hatch, gave $30 along with three anonymous donors.

Giving $25 were Clarence and Olive Hart, 12912 E. 12th; Jim, Laurie, Kaylee, Alyssa and Jarrett McLeslie, 10723 E. Maxwell, “in loving memory of Grandpa Charlie”; Mrs. J.W. Stradley, 1720 E. Marietta; Paul and Shirley Peterson, 4912 E. Second; Ed and Jean Myers, 3226 W. Excell; Marjorie I. Weaver, 811 W. 13th.

A loving uncle gave a $25 contribution in memory of his niece, Sydney L. Gregg; K.L. Marlin, Spokane, also gave $25 as did Mr. and Mrs. Warren Butz, 2105 W. Mansfield Court; Bill and Dianne Kersey, 6015 N. Moore; Ruth E. Muhs, 211 E. Everett; Lynn Wagner, 1040 S. Buena Vista Drive; Mr. and Mrs. W.T. McGarry, Liberty Lake.

When Jason Childress lived in Spokane, he’d feed between 2,000 and 3,000 ducks on the Spokane River every day. He now has Parkinson’s disease and lives with his son and family in Murray, Idaho, “but he wants to remember the needs in Spokane with his $25 donation this Christmas,” wrote his daughter-in-law Claudia Childress.

Another $25 gift came from Edith A. Meeker, 1308 W. 10th, who wanted to match the contribution of Nellie Sutherland, who honored her greatgrandchild with a gift to the Christmas Fund. Nellie was Edith’s bridesmaid in 1934.

J. P. Moore, 6025 N. Braeburn Drive, gave $25 as did members of the Welsh St. David’s Society; the Mike Edmunds Family, 6711 N. Fleming: “May this Christmas be touched with a special kind of magic for less fortunate.”

There were five anonymous donations of $25.

Gifts of $20 came from Elizabeth C. Behrendt, 5911 E. Woodlawn Drive; Fern Welle, 711 W. 17th; Robert and Leora Walls, 1010 S. Rockwood Blvd.; Pam and Mark Pierce, N. 12336 Fairwood Drive, “In loving memory of our fathers, Russell Pierce and Frank Paggett.

Mrs. J. Tarbert, 7878 N. Wilding, gave $20 as did Shirley and Frank Scalise, Mead; and four anonymous donors.

Bernice Atchley, 405 S. Coeur d’Alene, gave $10, and there was an $8 anonymous donation.

, DataTimes