Treva Lind

Steve and Theresa Lamp’s plans for a Christmas at home got crushed, literally, when a 90-foot-tall pine destroyed their North Spokane house during the Nov. 17 windstorm. The tree that broke through the roof also landed 8 feet from where Steve Lamp rested with the family dog. His wife, who was away at work, said she’s just thankful her husband escaped unharmed. She also dismissed any hardship.

Christmas Bureau organizers invited comfort dogs to bring smiles and ease any anxiety for people who line up to verify paperwork and receive food vouchers, before selecting books and toys for their children.

Winters always pinch the budget for Spokane resident Kendra Hawthorne, who carefully eyed toys Thursday at the Christmas Bureau for her four children. “I’m especially grateful for this because in the winter, electricity bills are up; I have two kids with birthdays in the winter,” said Hawthorne, who usually has a caregiver job but is temporarily out of work.

Fourteen a capella singers will spread holiday cheer for the Christmas Bureau’s opening Thursday, part of the musical group’s 12-day tour. The Dartmouth College singers, who perform as X.ado, are mainly traveling to Seattle for the season’s performances but included three days this week in the Inland Northwest, thanks largely to its musical director’s local ties.

A pink Sweet Treat Kitchen required some assembly, so Gonzaga Prep student Kendall Brock, 17, wrestled the task Tuesday with power tools. The toy joined some 17,000 gifts being set up for the Christmas Bureau. Brock got assistance from Freeman High School junior Helen Forman, 16, who handed over kitchen sections as he read instructions. Both students were part of large Freeman and Gonzaga Prep groups at the first setup day for the bureau, which opens Thursday at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Head to toe, Brenda Parker will wear holiday bling galore while working eight days as a greeter at the Christmas Bureau. Two felt reindeer will sway on her headband. She’ll wear bright holiday sweaters and elfish shoes with bells on her toes, all with the hope to bring smiles. She’ll also offer up plenty of hugs, and a dance or two to live Christmas music.

Dan Sullivan loved everything holidays, but the Christmas Bureau meant the most to him. The 69-year-old volunteer died shortly after last year’s event.

Marilee Roloff knew a year ago that “Peanuts,” “Star Wars,” and princesses would reign for popular holiday children’s books, so she bought such titles early for the Christmas Bureau. Buying books for kids is a role that Roloff, 64, relishes. So is distributing them; the CEO of Volunteers of America works each year at the bureau at the book table.

One memory stands out for Fred Preston, a Christmas Bureau volunteer for the past 23 years. It happened some dozen years ago. He lifted a small girl, about 4 years old, so she could see Mr. and Mrs. Claus. He’ll never forget the joy he saw in her face, he said.

Spokane Valley woman sews coats to donate to area children