Christmas Fund 1995 Her Gift Celebrates Birthday, But Her Sentiment Is Ageless

Louise Sonnenburg was born Dec. 6, 1905 - on St. Nicholas Day, the patron saint of children.

She gave $90 to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund in celebration of her 90th birthday on the day that embodies the spirit of charity and goodwill.

“St. Nick symbolizes the whole Christian principle of giving gifts and expecting nothing in return, especially to children,” Sonnenburg wrote. “As Tiny Tim says, ‘God bless us, everyone.”’

Scott and Lisa Tidd answered the Bloomsday Race Challenge and gave $60, $20 for the four races they have run and $10 for each family member; other $60 gifts came from Mark and Sherry Richman ($50) and Karl and Sharon Olsen ($10); the Sons of Norway Pool League, 6710 N. Country Holmes Blvd.; and an anonymous gift in memory of Frank Stanton, “a wonderful giving man who loved to share his time and talents generously.”

The body shop employees of Camp Chevrolet, Subaru, BMW/SAAB, Geo, gave $55 in memory of Jerry Camp Sr. Gifts of $50 came from Rona Kreulen, 7117 N. Drumheller; and Kenneth and Maria Meckel, Whitefish, Mont., in memory of an aunt who “spent her 86 years giving unselfishly to others in need, and I’m sure would like nothing better than to continue to help others through your Christmas Fund.”

Other $50 donations came from James and Joanne Slavin, 1315 W. 20th; the Nelsens, 5414 N. New York Lane; the Reinbolds, Spokane Valley; and Christina and Greg Rudd, “in memory of Wally Rudd, beloved father and grandfather. For many years a volunteer at the Christmas Bureau, he carried a love for children all year around. We miss him a lot.”

Also giving $50 were Julie Leyda, Liberty Lake, in memory of Jerry Camp Sr.; and Ron and Marian Wilkonski, 7807 N. Debby Lynn Court, hoping “all Spokesman-Review readers will find the compassion to this worthy cause. As a society, we have become spoiled, materialistic and apathetic. It is time to open our eyes and hearts, to help the indigent. God bless.”

Michael Ban, 3215 E. 17th, gave $50, as did Bill and Jeanne Goss in memory and friendship of Jerry Camp Sr.; Roger Gordon, 1715 N. Atlantic; Barbara Lawson; and Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Irving, 12814 E. 26th, “in memory of loved ones that live on in our minds and hearts and in God’s grace and love: Alisha Toliver and Mary Irving, Mr. and Mrs. B. Seyl and Catherine Irving.”

Other $50 gifts came from Dan Coyle and Valerie Smith, 1118 W. Eighth; Em and Ruby Hanson, 2240 Buell Court, in memory of loved ones; John and Janice Graham, 6516 W. Skagit; Ib Kirsten Sodemann, Mead; the Shriners Employee Council; Diane and John Latta, 808 W. 26th; Barbie and Craig Olson, 4511 S. Madelia, “in honor of a life-long friend and faithful caregiver to our children, Elma Porter; and Barbie Olson, 4511 S. Madelia, “in honor of a wonderful friend and excellent hairstylist, Julia Millin.

Dave and Jody Cornwall, Fairfield, also gave $50, as did the Spokane Falls Chorus of Sweet Adelines in hopes “this will help in creating ‘harmony’ in our wonderful town”; Linda Wood, 307 E. 23rd; Rick, Jennifer, Michael and Tanner Gerety, 128 E. Short; Cire Gray and Mark Chapman in memory of David M. Chapman; and Brian and Sallie Brothers, 3603 W. Northwest Blvd.

Other $50 came from Marvin and Sandra King, 3206 N. Wellington Place; Bradley and Margarita Paulson, 1002 W. Woodway; Ted and Winifred Allen, 628 W. 17th; and 16 anonymous donors, one made “in memory of Glenn A. Staeheli who knew how important youngsters are,” one saying, “Jesus loves you all,” one who wanted to share their good fortune with others, one from a couple who grew up in North Dakota during the Great Depression and knows what it’s like to go without, and one “in memory of our mother, Glenda Norton from North Carolina.”

Mrs. Davey’s fourth-grade class at Chattaroy Elementary gave $45. There was an anonymous gift of $35, and giving $30 were John Flaherty in memory of Antoinette Thompson; Linda Fadeley, “dedicated to my best friends ever: Rose, Kathy and Candy”; and three anonymous donors.

Gifts of $25 came from Roger and Carol Nilson, Colton; Ted Kuhn, 8402 E. Alki, in memory of Ruth Ann Noldenhaur; Cheryl and Vaughn Lowe in memory of William L. Lowe, who died April 30, 1994; “we miss him very much.” The Gales, Spokane, gave $25, as did the Robsons, 8314 E. Marietta; the Queeners, 8612 E. York; and Wilene Lust , 5314 W. Sunset Highway.

Dr. Mark Mays, 104 W. Fifth, gave $25 “in the name of Ivano’s Ristorante in Sandpoint; they provided us with particularly good and personal service this year.” Thomas Marco, 1015 E. Cozza Drive, gave $25 as did Gary and Elizabeth Ide, 10803 N. Nelson; Florence Smith, Veradale; Robert and Coletta McWatters, Veradale; and Bob and Lynn Curtis, Garfield, in memory of Jerry Camp Sr.

Karen Warren, 14325 E. Sharp, donated $25 in memory of Vernie Gabriel, her grandmother, who gave each of her grandchildren $25 from the sale of her house. “We received so much more in the love she had,” Warren wrote. “She never seemed poor. In fact, she was a very wealthy woman in love and generosity.”

Lorna and David Belyea, Nine Mile Falls, gave $25, as did Janet and Robert Waldron, 6108 N. Royal Drive; Jeffrey and Kimberley Harmson, 703 E. 40th; Mr. and Mrs. Neil W. Maxwell, 2127 E. Juul Court; Don Hart, 10516 E. Sixth; the Godlewski family; and Mary Parker in memory of Betty Anderson.

Other $25 donations were from Dennis and Deni Zweigardt, and three anonymous donors, one in memory of George and Maria Ashley, another that said, “Every child should have something for Christmas.” There was also an anonymous $21 gift.

Giving $20 were C. Canino, 2804 S. Wilbur Road, in memory of Jerry Camp Sr.; James and Rose Gabbard, 1801 E. Upriver Drive; and six anonymous donors, one as a memorial to Antoinette Thompson.

Another $20 gift came from Sibyl Olsen, 2809 W. Mallon, whose faith was renewed by the return of her lost purse five days later with everything intact. “Amazing,” she wrote. “That renews the faith. There are so many fine, GOOD people walking our streets we do not hear about. Joy to the world!”

Susan and Roger Parent, Newman Lake, gave $15, as did Madisen Ann Clark. Gifts of $10 came from the Owens, 1211 E. Lyons; Jan St. George in memory of Robert Taylor; Lynn Hanley, 4018 W. Rowan; and an anonymous donor.

Maeghan Scott, who is just learning to write, sent $2 “to the poor kids,” and Jacqueline and Kathleen Shrader each gave 50 cents in memory of their Aunt Betty.

, DataTimes