Christmas Fund 1995 Bride Keeps Piggy Bank Tradition And Jobless Family New To Area Touched By Stories And Gifts

Judy Himes shook out her piggy bank for The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund as she’s done the past few years.

This year, however, her $59 gift is given in the names of Judy and Dan Thomas. She and Dan are to be married Saturday, and this “is our first yearly tradition together and one that will continue for as long as you need us.”

Those sending $50 to the Christmas Fund were Margaret Koenig, 3928 N. Cannon; Bill and Beverly Bell, 12024 E. 20th; Kenneth Tackitt, 3628 S. Sundown Drive; Caryl Halverson, 7123 N. Fox Point Drive; Andy and Dilys Bingham, 10718 N. Elma Drive; the Yorks, 10407 E. Fifth; Patricia Stewart, 2707 E. 37th; and Ralph E. and M. Josephine Campbell, Almira.

Also giving $50 were the staff of Dr. Steven Gregg in honor of their boss and his wife; Maurice and Shirley Horlen, 7111 N. G; Ralph and Kathleen Hoover, 820 W. Westmont; and three anonymous donors, one of whom included this note:

“We are new to Spokane and without jobs, but your Christmas Fund has touched the hearts of our family. We have two daughters and together we would like to send this small contribution to help others at Christmas. God has been so good to us.”

Another anonymous $50 gift was given for Lyidal and Dorothy, the donor’s parents, “who worked so hard to raise five kids.”

Lorilu Sowers, Spokane, gave $40 rather than send Christmas cards; others giving $40 were Jean Morin, 4215 E. Sumac Drive, and son John Jr., in memory of John D. Morin Sr.; and Robert D. Banta, 2118 N. Locust Road. One anonymous donor gave $35, and another gave $30.

Donating $25 were the Pine Tree Machinery Co., 1117 N. Pines Road; Arthur R. Patterson, 1028 W. Dalton; Patricia Torngren, 323 W. 17th; Anita Kernie, 622 W. 20th; Edward Green, 9208 S. Cheney-Spokane Road; Myrna McQuown, 12912 E. 12th; and Gary and Bonnie Walvoord, 1828 W. Wardson.

Sisters Thelma Ostby, Chattaroy, and Gladys Gossett gave $25 “in memory of our parents, Ingeborg and Lors Handegard, who immigrated from Norway in 1915 and raised a family of 10 children. We always had a gift at Christmas, and (we) can’t imagine any child not having a gift to open.”

Also giving $25 were James P. Moore, 6025 W. Braeburn; Emma Mael, 627 E. Sanson; and four anonymous donors, including one who gave in memory of Bob Fallquist, “the world’s best friend”; and another as a memorial to Jack Sackville-West, “a dear friend, deeply missed.”

Sending $20 was Nancy Hood, Greenacres. Robert Jensen, 10014 E. Valley Way, gave $15; and Bernice Atchley, 405 S. Coeur d’Alene, gave $10.

, DataTimes