Christmas Fund 1997 Notes Loaded With Good Cheer Voa Chips In; Youngsters Scrub, Polish To Come Up With Donations

The Spokesman-Review’s Christmas Fund articles aren’t designed to be rah-rahers for Spokane and its surroundings. But sometimes it’s hard not to lead a cheer as gifts of money and their accompanying notes arrive.

Others are just as enthusiastic about the generosity that’s generated through the Christmas Fund.

For instance: Marilee Roloff, director of the Volunteers of America, wrote,

“The employees at the Volunteers of America see first-hand every day the needs of families in our area.

“We have collected $100 to give a little extra help at Christmas.

“Our mission to ‘uplift’ is fulfilled through the Christmas Bureau and we are grateful to live in a community that reaches out in love and compassion.”

Doesn’t that make you want to stand up and cheer?

Here’s another:

An envelope with five donations of $5 each, accompanied by $50, arrived with this letter:

“Our children and grandchildren worked for four hours doing extra chores so they could contribute $5 each (to the Christmas Fund). They were incredible cleaning the garage and the back porch, washing windows, scrubbing floors, doing dishes, etc.

“They were very excited to send their gifts.

“Sincerely, Tim Haymes and Carrie DeMarco,” 2528 E. Nebraska.

Wait, it gets better:

In laboriously printed letters, Andrew Haymes, 9; Chris Haymes, 11; and P.J. Hendry, 11, wrote about doing extra chores to give $5 to the Christmas Fund, but Taylor Heinle, 5, was a bit more specific: “I did extra work - dishes - to earn $5 for the Christmas Fund,” and this: “I did extra work - washed dishes and sixteen windows - to earn $5 for the Christmas Fund. Love Trueley, Saraya Michelle Hendry,” 8 years old.

Gifts of $50 came from Harry and Marjorie Jones, 2929 S. Waterford Drive; Jane Courtright, 12704 N. Ruby Road; John and Leone McBride, 1318 W. Cherrywood Court; Verda Coryell, 1424 N. Locust Road; and Billie Secor, 3424 S. Regal, “In deep appreciation for God’s deep care for me and my many loved ones.”

Other $50 donations were from Marie Harvey, Cheney, in memory of her husband, Harold Harvey; Wanda Nichols, 9707 N. Fotheringham; John and Marilyn Mackie, 4508 N. Madison; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Marienau, 3927 N. Oak; Mr. and Mrs. Verl Gunter, 10924 E. 22nd, “In memory of our parents, Bill and Rose Lavigne who enjoyed Christmas immensely - especially the gathering of us at the farm for 40 years. The cheers and tears as each family arrived, laden with gifts and food. Our wishes that your fund will reach its goal.”

Roger and Sonia Bertsch, 4415 W. Excell, gave $50, as did L.W. and Laura Isaak, Loon Lake; and two anonymous donors.

Gifts of $40 came from Frank and Patricia Kelly, Inchelium, and Sandra M. Dickey, 214 W. 27th. Giving $35 were Elaine Freeman, 2716 W. Queen; and Peg Trambitas, “in loving memory of my father, Virgil Worden, a 35-year employee of The Spokesman-Review.”

Hazel Vercruysse, 2717 E. Hoffman, gave $30. Giving $25 were Haven and Ruth Lusian, 114 W. 26th; John Lynch, 2523 N. Nettleton; Mr. and Mrs. Innis, 13503 E. 25th; Dr. Randy Williams, 4814 S. Bowdish Low Court; Robert Atwater, 3320 S. Grand Blvd.; Joseph and Reve Hughes, Deer Park; Thomas Pope, 1112 E. 34th; and Ellen J. Nelson, 4410 S. Sheri Court.

Phil Schumaker, 7104 E. 11th, gave $25, as did Tom and Pam Ruckhaber, 1314 W. 14th; Mary Brown, 3808 W. Wellesley; and Vern and Carol Belle, 5708 N. Woodview Lane, “in honor of our grandchildren.” There were three anonymous gifts of $25, one as a memorial to Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bruce.

Gifts of $20 came from Elizabeth Rolph, 1927 E. 23rd; Gerry and Arlene Giles, “in memory of our Aunt Ginny Zellweger.”

Margaret Blum, Cheney, gave $15 with this note: “This comes with a recognition of the immense blessing I feel for my three children, Leaf, Cedar and Osha. Thank you for helping me help others.”

Dorothy and Max Gephart, 6007 E. Sixth, gave $10, with this note, “I am going to call my friends instead of sending cards. The money I save from the stamps will go into the Christmas Fund.”

, DataTimes