New Christmas Fund donations
The Spokesman-Review has received $18,207.50 in new donations toward its $500,000 Christmas Fund goal.
The fund pays expenses at the Christmas Bureau, which opens Thursday to distribute food vouchers, toys and books to area families in need. The newspaper raises money for the bureau, which is organized by Volunteers of America and Catholic Charities Spokane.
The Spokane law offices of Douglas, Eden, Phillips, DeRuyter & Stanyer sent $6,000 and a note: “Due to the difficult economic times, we know the need is greater than ever. Because of this we are increasing our annual contribution to the Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund this year. We deeply appreciate the good work that the Christmas Fund does for the community.”
JMA Commercial Real Estate donated $1,500 on behalf of its “clients, customers and the tenants of the buildings we manage.”
Jack and Donna Pring, of Spokane Valley, donated $1,000.
Rain Shadow Research Inc., of Pullman, donated $1,000. “We hope this gift will help to bring smiles and joy to children this holiday season,” wrote Matthew Root and Sarah Moore.
Steve Smitherman donated $500 in memory of his wife, Lisa Marie Smitherman, who was a first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School. “She truly loved helping others,” he wrote.
Cheryl Kettrick, of A to Z Rental, and Tom Kautz, of Spokane Drywall, sent $500, as did an anonymous couple from Spokane Valley. Spokane Production Service, of Spokane, sent $500, as did an anonymous donor. A $500 donation from Spokane Valley came with a note: “Drs. Hood, Dodson and Walpole and the employees at Evergreen Cosmetic and Family Dentistry wish to donate to make it possible for others to have a wonderful holiday season.”
Sending $300 were Debra and Ralph Prouty, of Spokane; Loretha Hitchcock, of Spokane Valley; and Esther Nelson, of Spokane Valley, who wrote: “Thank you for this opportunity to share God’s blessings with the needy in our community.”
The following from Spokane gave $250: Gregory and Alice Prekeges; Donald Moore; and Chimney Rock Mortgage.
An anonymous donor from Spokane sent $200. Robert and Dorothy Putz, of Spokane, donated $200 “in memory of Jack.” Elaine Holmes, of Spokane Valley, also gave $200. “I have been blessed in so many ways,” she wrote. “It is an honor to be able to help those in need.”
R. Stanley and Lucille Hallett, of Spokane, gave $165.
Tom and Marcia O’Leary, of Spokane, gave $150. Margot Fitzgerald, of Spokane, also sent $150. “I consider the fund one the most important charities to which I contribute,” she wrote. “Continue with the good work!”
These Spokane residents donated $125: Zola and Zane; Arlene Waters; and Lois Richards.
William Johnson, of Heron, Mont., gave $110.
The following Spokane residents sent $100: Lois Critzer; Barbara Crawford; Doug Bruce and Teresa Vanairsdale; Mary and David Larsen, of Spokane; Morris Slavens; R.A. Martens; Joyce and Col. Robert W. Bublitz; and James and Barbara Groves, of Spokane, who wrote: “Thank you for all the hard work in helping.”
Jose and Anna Maria Cepeda, of Spokane, also donated $100, as did Spokane residents Jon and Judith Gardner; and Mary and Michael Cronin. Jack and Peggy Burt, of Cheney, donated $100, as did Robert and Donna Haas, of Colbert, Wash., who wrote: “Thank you for providing a vehicle through which we can help.”
Eileen and Maj. Edward Locker, of Spokane Valley, donated $100, as did Mr. and Mrs. Charles Colbert, also of Spokane Valley.
The Spokane Homeless Coalition gave $71.
Joyce Callaway, of Medical Lake, sent $50. She wrote: “Thank you for all the help you give to those without.”
The following Spokane residents gave $50: an anonymous donor; Gail Johanson; Retha and James Lucas; Mary Ellen and William Mays; Sara Jane Aebly; and the Graham family.
Other $50 donors: Charles and Mary Ellen Steen, of Liberty Lake; Kristine Nestoss, of Greenacres, in memory of her dad, Bill Nestoss; Cynthia, Kyile and Kaitlyn LeBlanc, of Greenacres, who wrote: “May this help bring joy on Christmas morning”; Bruce Chandler, of Newport, Wash.; and Carol Wilson, of Spokane Valley.
Jean Young donated $48.25 via PayPal, as did Lori McKay.
An anonymous donor from St. Maries sent $40.
David Hargreaves donated $28.83 via PayPal.
These Spokane donors gave $25: Michael and Barbara Dooley; two separate anonymous donors; Glenis Brantley; Tracy Howe; Lt. Col. Charles Latimer and Ann Hurst; and Vickie Borer. Cathy Mileson, of Veradale, also sent $25.