Jill Barville

Waiting in line doesn’t seem so long when there’s a diversion. Singing and dancing, carols and comedians. For the recipients working their way to the front of the line at the Christmas Bureau, a variety of entertainment acts helped pass the time while creating a merry atmosphere. Organized by Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review, the Christmas Bureau distributed toys, books and food vouchers so 30,208 needy people could have a merrier Christmas.

Now that the Christmas Bureau is closed, security guard Rashad Salah is flying to Tunisia to marry his fiancee next week. They set the wedding date late in the month so Salah could work the charity event a third year. “I was going to go earlier but I told my boss I’d stay through the end. This is one of my favorite shows to work,” said Salah, who provides security, customer service and a calming presence through Kodiak Security Services. “You get to help people. You see it on their faces. They’re happy.”

Affectionately dubbed the Teddy Bear Queen, one of Fern Swecker’s favorite jobs at the Christmas Bureau is sorting more than 6,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals that will be snuggled and hugged by children and adults alike, thanks to fans who tossed them on the ice at the Spokane Chiefs Teddy Bear Toss game last Saturday. Extra-large animals, the ones big enough to engulf a 7-year-old in fuzzy comfort, go to the toy room where they sit among dolls and cars, balls and art supplies, keyboards and scooters. Small stuffed toys are slotted for the adult-only families who come for a food voucher.

Once in a while, a family struggling to put gifts under the tree turns to the library. “Over the years, from time to time, we’ve had people come in at Christmastime and ask for a card for their child because they didn’t have much to give them,” said Pat Davis, a library supervisor with Spokane County Library District. “It gives you a little tug at the heart that people are in that position.”

At 4 months old, it’s Ellie Moore’s first Christmas. She hasn’t learned about  Santa and presents yet, but her mother Brandy Moore, 19, wants to give the baby something special, like any loving parent. This would be hard since the single mom is on a leave of absence from her grocery store job. “She doesn’t take a bottle yet,” Moore explained, leaning reflexively to kiss her baby’s head while they waited at the Christmas Bureau.

Christmas is a time of traditions. From decorations to music, food to gift giving, some traditions are common, others specific to each family. In some homes, for example, each child opens one gift on Christmas Eve, a brand-new pair of pajamas to wear during an excited night of anticipation. What will Santa bring? New pajamas are a cozy complement to gleeful faces surrounded by candy canes, wrapping paper and Christmas love.

When Gage Lee serves customers at Frank’s Diner in downtown Spokane, it’s obvious why she’s won awards for excellent service. She’s quick and capable, taking orders and refilling cups of coffee, with every move accompanied by a genuine smile. She clearly cares about her customers. She also cares about her community. Along with most of the crews at Frank’s Diners and The Onion restaurants, Lee contributes part of every paycheck to make a difference for Spokane’s needy families.