Garco gifts $25,000 to Christmas Bureau; The Onion and Avista give thousands

Wednesday’s pile of mail with Christmas Bureau donations held the gift of more than $87,000 in contributions.

The fund now stands at $449,009.65 to pay for holiday extras such as toys and food vouchers given to thousands of low-income residents. However, nearly $76,000 remains to meet the $525,000 goal just two days before Christmas.

Some longtime supporters of the fund in Wednesday’s tally significantly narrowed the gap.

Among them, Garco Construction in Spokane gave $25,000. The company’s donation includes $4,145 of direct contributions from employees “to assist the less fortunate in our community.”

“As we have for the past 35-plus years, we at Garco are pleased to be able to give back to the Spokane community that has been responsible for much of our success,” said the company’s letter.

Also with a history of support, the Onion Taphouse & Franks Diners and their employees in Spokane collectively raised $7,700. Staff at the four eateries donated a portion of paychecks over the past year to the Christmas Fund, and their support was matched by owners Ken and Christy Belisle and Larry and Jan Brown.

“It has been our pleasure to contribute to the Christmas Fund efforts for more than 35 years,” Ken Belisle wrote. “We love that 100 percent of the money raised goes directly to the families and children of Spokane that are in need during the holiday season.”

While reflecting on the Nov. 17 windstorm, Avista Corp. gave $7,500 on behalf of its employees.

CEO Scott Morris wrote, “Each year during the holidays, we come together as a community to make sure that families can celebrate with the warmth and joy of food and gifts. This year, in particular, with the windstorm that caused so much destruction and inconvenience for families, it’s essential that we continue to work together as a community to lift up those who need our help the most. The Fund brings together a wonderful partnership of community resources and volunteers that exemplifies the spirit of the season. Together we are truly #InlandStrong.”

New donations

Jack and Donna Pring, of Spokane Valley, gave $5,000. “Thanks for the opportunity to share Christmas with others.”

Rev. Msgr. John Steiner, of Spokane gave $2,700.

Employees of maintenance, warehouse, facility services and purchasing departments of Spokane Public Schools gave $2,575. “Your efforts to bring a ray of happiness to others each Christmas is a tremendous opportunity for our community to come together and help our neighbors.”

Thomas Kasson, of Spokane, gave $2,500.

R & R Heating and Air Conditioning, of Spokane, gave $1,500.

Donald Rockstrom, of Spokane, gave 1,500.

Justin and Tamie Voelker, of Spokane Valley, gave $1,000.

Two separate Spokane-area anonymous donors each gave $1,000 as did Tom Bryant, also of Spokane.

David Schaub and the Schaub Foundation of Spokane donated $1,000 “to help brighten the Christmas season for any who need help. We are happy to share our good fortune.”

Two anonymous sisters in Spokane gave $1,000, “in memory of Mom, Dad, Peggy, Craig, Rick and Jeff.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $1,000 “in loving memory of Bailey, Rudy and Benson on Rockwood Blvd.”

Trindera Engineering Inc. of Coeur d’Alene gave $1,000.

University High School teachers and staff, of Spokane Valley, gave $950. “In what has become an annual tradition, the teachers and staff of University High School have dedicated themselves to helping those less fortunate during the holiday season.”

An anonymous Spokane Valley business donated $700.

Dennis McMann, of Newport, gave $600.

Sharon Koch, of Spokane Valley, donated $500 “in memory of my grandparents John and Hilma Koch.”

The Jones Family, of Spokane Valley, gave $500 “in memory of Robert, Marybelle, and Evelyn.”

Joe, Karen, Becky, Stephanie, J.R. and Diana Roberts, of Spokane Valley, gave $500.

Ed and Lynn Van Vliet, of Spokane, donated $500 “in memory of Gary McLaughlin and Ed Hamad and Wendell Reugh.”

Dennis, Donna, and Blair Kelly, of Spokane, gave $500 “in memory of Don Kelly, longtime Christmas Bureau volunteer.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $500.

BPS Supply Co., Inc., of Spokane, gave $500 saying the company and employees are thankful and blessed to help those in need.

Morris Wolff, of Spokane, gave $500 “in memory of Dean Wolff.”

Melissa Tipke, of Spokane, gave $500 “in memory of my husband Jim Tipke.”

An anonymous Medical Lake donor gave $500.

An anonymous donor gave $500. “Thank you again for having this wonderful venue to help out those less blessed. I continue to be blessed with good health, dear friends and family.”

Jerry Firor, of Spokane, gave $451.

An anonymous Mead donor gave $400.

Bob and Judy Lee, of Spokane, gave $350 “in memory of our grandson, Austin McKenzie, mother Catherine Lee, father and mother Ken and Alice Smith.”

Caldwell Concrete Co., of Veradale, gave $300.

Chris and Christine Ashenbrener, of Spokane, gave $300 thanking organizers and volunteers. “Our grandchildren Anna, Evan and Eric Ashenbrener wish for all children to have a book, a toy and good, healthy food for a Merry Christmas.”

Spokane donors who each gave $300 are Brian Hawkins, Michael and Linda Geraghty, Gerald Rein, and an anonymous donor “in memory of Mary.”

Another anonymous Spokane donor gave $300 via PayPal.

Raevyn Kagawa-Burke, Nico Morales and Jerome Morales of Medical Lake gave $300.

Bob and Lois Banta, of Liberty Lake, gave $300.

Dennis Hughes, of Deer Park, gave $300.

Joan Reuthinger, of Spokane, and Larry Reuthinger, of Deer Park, gave $300 “in memory of our parents Joe and Mary Reuthinger, Larry’s wife Linnea Reuthinger, and Eleanor Peterson.”

Gary Bixler, of Post Falls, gave $261 via PayPal.

Spokane donors who each gave $250 are Bill and Dorene Reynolds; an anonymous donor; Rand and Cynthia Trevey; Alan, Heidi, Tim and Evan Shustoff; and MMEC Architecture & Interiors.

Roger, Vanessa, Sam, and Jess Jacky, of Deer Park, gave $250. “Please accept this contribution from us to help provide smiles and laughter to all the children and adults.”

Trent Retirees Lunch Group of East Valley School District gave $250 “in memory of Lori Jean Finley and John Carrieres, two fine teachers who positively affected many children’s lives and will be sorely missed. May their legacy of compassion for others continue with this donation to the children of Spokane County.”

Kristen Edgar, of Spokane, gave $250 via PayPal.

Spokane $200 donors are Gary and Leanne Brosius, Marvin and Helen Soehren, Sarah and Emma Vogelman, Larry and Tudy Hatch, and Knox and Shelby Pittman.

Lorraine and Donald Burghard, of Moses Lake, gave $200 “in memory of our beloved daughter Vicki.”

Wayne Bass, of Liberty Lake, gave $200 “because all children deserve the wonder of Christmas and this fund helps make it possible.”

An anonymous donor gave $200 cash.

Charles and Dorothy Carrier, of Spokane, gave $200 via PayPal.

Adult education students at Community Colleges of Spokane’s Institute for Extended Learning gave $166.02 cash.

Spokane-area donors of $150 are Paul and Willene Allison, Joe and Lenny Kostelecky, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Stopp, Gregory Stevens, Michael Pearson, and John and Kay Feirich who said, “We worked at the Christmas Bureau for years and enjoyed helping others.”

Phil Wapato, of Coulee Dam, gave $150 via PayPal.

An anonymous Otis Orchards gave $103 via PayPal.

Spokane Valley donors of $100 are Kathleen Olsufka, Norma Echelbarger, Linda and Gary Faire, Wayne Hibdon, Ed and Ethel Fisk, an anonymous donor, Tom and Sue Eastman “in honor of our delightful grandchildren,” and Tom and Karen Towey “in honor of our wonderful granddaughters Bailey, Allison and Avery” and in memory of my father, Leslie Roecks.”

Spokane donors of $100 include Lyle Pugh, R. K. and Eva Akers, Harold and Heidi Clarke, Margot Fitzgerald, Daniel Fratini and Sheri Engelken, an anonymous donor, Gary Leva, Ray Banasik, Leah Taylor, Rita and William Vancleve, Gary and Linda Williamson, James and Darlene Boone, Steve and Mary Liewellyn, Sula Potter, Eric Anderson, Julie Silliman, Leanne Stallings, Jim and Lisa Northcutt, and Mary Jane.

Dave Broom, Kenneth and Joann Dunlap, of Spokane, gave $100 “in memory of Joseph J. McNabb.”

Chris Powell and Ruth Reynolds, of Spokane, gave $100 “in memory of our loved ones.”

Paul and Melanie Delaney and Bill and Pamela Cunz, of Spokane, gave $100 “in memory of Herb and Jeanette Cunz, who made Christmas special for everyone especially those in need.”

Melanie Delaney, Danette Lanet and Meghan Delaney, of Spokane, donated $100 “in memory of Jan Wallace who had Christmas in her heart every day.”

Tom and Mary Anna Bryan, of Spokane, gave $100 “dedicated to your great cause in memory of L. Ruth Yaeger who passed away this year.”

Joe and Carolyn Schauble, of Spokane, donated $100 “in memory of our parents Carl and Edna Magee and Robert and Mary Schauble.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $100, writing “Please use this and know we are appreciative of what you do.”

Winnifred Mason, of Spokane, gave $100 “in honor of Charles Mason.”

Marcia and John Magnuson, of Spokane, gave $100 thanking volunteers and “honoring our parents Richard F. and Velvo Miller and Mrs. Bea Kienholz.”

Sarah Wasicek, of Spokane, gave $100 “in honor of my late husband Frank Wasicek, the love of my life.”

Charles and Janet Watkins, of Newport, gave $100.

Janice Holcomb, of Mead, donated $100. “My brother and I are blessed to have eight grandchildren who are healthy and have loving, secure homes. They will have a wonderful Christmas and that is my wish for all children.”

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Roche, of Liberty Lake, gave $100.

An anonymous Liberty Lake donor gave $100.

Thomas and Linda Hempel, of Apache Junction, Ariz., gave $100.

Joan E. Menzies gave $100 cash.

Peggy Ellingson, of Colbert, gave $100 via PayPal as did Judy Scrupps, of Odessa.

Mike and Vic Roberts, of Tri-Cities, gave $60 “in honor of our Grandma Bonnie Roberts.”

Spokane donors of $50 include Donna Dotson, Helen Runsvold, Kate and Jim Jones, Eddy Nagashima, Helen Foster, Dick McGee, John Schulte, Gerry Giles, Marsha Hansen, Michael and Gladys Alfano, and Wileva Damon.

Maren and Brian Bofenkamp, of Spokane, gave $50 “in honor of our grandson Kayden.”

An anonymous Mead donor gave $50.

David and Debra Stuart, of Airway Heights, gave $50 cash.

Lee and Linda Kershner, of Spokane, gave $50 via PayPal as did Albert Seahboldt, of Spokane Valley.

Mary Palmer, of Spokane, gave $40.

Larry Hood, of Pullman, donated $30 as “a small gift to a wonderful cause.”

Ann Carey of Spokane gave $30 via PayPal.

Spokane donors of $25 included Carolyn White, Lee Zhniser, Betty Saxton, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kersey, Gail Kiser, Bernadine Rodseth, Ellen Brownell, and an anonymous donor via PayPal.

Spokane donors of $20 included Judy Roberts, and two separate anonymous donors via PayPal, with one “in memory of John Devlin.”

Lynne Ludington, of Liberty Lake, gave $20 via PayPal.

An anonymous donor mailed $15 cash. “It isn’t much but hope it helps a little.”

Edward Pierson, of Moscow, gave $10 cash “in memory of parents Harold and Hilda and brother Roy.”

Ron Goblick, of Colbert, gave $10.

Alan Fisher, of Cheney, gave $10.

The Spokesman-Review contributes the processing fee on donations made through PayPal.