Christmas Fund 1997 From Pennies To Checks, Donations Are Pouring In
Just looking at gaily wrapped gifts piled high under the Christmas tree can be a moving experience. It’s not the gifts themselves, but what they represent.
A woman who requested anonymity with her gift to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund, wrote:
“Last weekend, I was at my mother’s house for our annual Christmas party. As I noticed the stockings already crammed full and more than an ample amount of presents under the tree, I realized how God has blessed me. I believe what I have is God’s, so I would like to donate $100 in honor of him and of the greatest gift, his son, Jesus.”
And this from Brendon and Michael Townshend of Colbert, who no doubt will have lots of presents under their tree:
“We help my mom and dad sell Christmas trees from our farm. Our farm is called Townshend Farms. The money we earn goes into our college fund. We decided to give $100 from this money so other people can have a nice Christmas.”
Other gifts of $100 were from Iain Verigin, 835 E. 18th; Bruce and Jayne Walker, 5217 S. Perry, in memory of Russ and Ann Walker and Wayne Martin; Pepper, Norman and Rudy; Diane Morrison, 3805 S. Lamonte; the Cecil Nuxoll family, 934 W. 16th; Dorothy Knechtel, 3423 N. Park Road, in memory of her husband; Alma Pearson, 1305 E. Rockwood Blvd.; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Comstock, Colbert.
William Houk, 1818 W. Francis, gave $100, as did John Erickson, Deer Park, in memory of Katy; Mr. and Mrs. Clark Hege, 1111 W. Sixth; Irene and Shannon McAdams, Spokane; Swanda Wimett, 3215 S. Quincy Lane; Terry, Paule, Shaun and Amy Sullivan, 2522 W. Everett, who commented the Christmas Fund “is one of the most beneficial (fund-raisers) we have observed.”
Eva Eagle, 1214 E. 42nd, gave $100, with this note: “The children especially need to know that we care. I hope we can give them a better Christmas and a special meal.”
Other $100 gifts were from Christine and Todd Weaver, 1922 S. Stanley Lane; Ann Heineman, 3118 W. 22nd, in memory of her dad, L.T. “Bump” Blodgett; Jeff, Leanne, Bryan and Casey Ager; Colleen and Keith Simmonds, 3010 W. Beacon, “in memory of our parents who gave us such a God-filled heritage.”
Dr. Richard and Karen Dorn Steele, 1325 E. 20th, gave $100, as did Rhonda Krauss, 1317 W. Providence, “in appreciation for the many blessings in my life.”
There were 18 anonymous gifts of $100, one a Spokane City police officer; one “in loving and fond memory of Ken Trent.” One anonymous $100 gift was from a dear 89-year-old woman who had already donated once; and one “in memory of Nana, who told my sister as long as people love and care for one another, there’ll always be a Santa Claus.”
One hundred dollars in pennies, nickels and a single dollar bill came from an anonymous donor who has been collecting pennies for the Christmas Fund for years.
This year he had help from his coworkers at the Morning Star Boys Ranch and the boys themselves, who, when they learned what he was doing, “seemed to have gotten downright careless, leaving pennies around wantonly.”
“As with ‘The Little Drummer Boy,’ our gifts are small, comparatively, but I am moved by the action of the boys who have little themselves, of (my) family equally committed to sharing in this worthy purpose, and the collective love of all to brighten the eyes of children and fill stockings and tummies.
“For me, the experience is much more satisfying than reading about the generosity of others which once seemed enough.”
, DataTimes