Christmas Fund Building On A Tradition

Giving to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund has been a longtime tradition of the Max J. Kuney Co., the construction company that’s a longtime Spokane tradition in itself.

The company, founded in 1930, has its fourth generation of Kuney family members now working there, said Bob Haney, treasurer.

“We have been fortunate to be successful in Spokane and we like to share our good fortune with others who are less fortunate,” Haney said.

The $1,000 gift from Max J. Kuney Co. helped bring Friday’s total to $2,935, for a running total of $36,271.94 against our goal of $425,000.

There are three full weeks before Christmas, so it’s too early to get overly anxious about meeting the goal. However, the slim number of contributions received for the weekend count sends up automatic flags of concern.

It would be such a great Christmas gift to the Christmas Fund if contributions could be sent in early rather than late. (That’s only a suggestion, mind you.)

Some 2,590 people, businesses, institutions and groups responded to last year’s drive. That’s a heartening number of Inland Northwest residents who care and made a conscious decision to help those among us who struggle.

Those friends of the fund donated a record $487,661.44 to ensure that 8,859 families had a happier holiday than they possibly could have otherwise. Those families received $289,308 in food vouchers, and 14,026 children had a gift to open Christmas morning.

If that’s too many children to visualize, just think of a single child who was so excited to unwrap a present with her name on it. And to find the gift beneath the wrapping was just what the child really wanted was icing on the cake.

If you can help “ice” our Christmas Fund cake this year - by a little or a lot - please do so. The fund’s address is listed in this story’s accompanying box.

Other gifts counted Friday include $500 from Chris, Christy, Emily, Jean and Cassie, “Remembering Bob who loved Christmas.”

Marguerite Holms, 2211 W. Wabash, donated $200; Robert Anderson, 4225 S. Stone, contributed $160; Terry and Kathryn Deno, 8123 N. Valerie, gave $150.

Gifts of $100 came from Don and Carolyn Van Leuven, 5115 S. Pittsburg; Ken and Joann Dunlap, 20 W. Sumner, “in memory of Grandpa Joe, (and) blessings to all who donate”; R.M. Nixon, 9 W. Main; and Sue and Jim Morris, 2922 E. Snowberry Lane.

Ida McKinley, Cheney, donated $100, with this note that carried a Nov. 30 postmark: “I am sending this in memory of my husband who passed away two years ago today after 65 years of married life. I miss him terribly, but he is at peace.”

Also giving $100 were Dr. Richard and Karen Steele, Palo Alto, Calif., and Spokane.

The Vinje sisters - Prasti, Astrid and Michelle - Spokane, contributed $90, as they do every year. There was an anonymous gift of $50, and another anonymous donation of $30 made “In memory of my generous spirited `Old Dad’ who taught me how to laugh, love and help wherever I can. His `Santa Spirit’ lives year round - within my heart. May I make him proud.”

Donations of $25 came from K.L. Marlin, Spokane; Jack and Gloria Davis, Spokane; Ron and Susan Kahler, Hayden Lake, Idaho; and Allen and Martha Hibbard, 115 E. Graves Road, “in memory of our daughter, brother and parents.”

Lorraine Rattray, Reardan, contributed $25 in memory of Clarence, “my husband of 60-plus years. I feel this is one of the best charities to help. I worked for the Christmas Bureau a few years ago and I know all the funds are given to needy folks.”

An anonymous donation of $20 was received, and Helen Hanshaw, 902 E. Boone, gave $10.

The $100 gift from Sarah and Frank Wasicek reported on Tuesday was in memory of Emily Zornes, who “could do anything: She was an avid book reader, quilter, barber and cook. She was also an excellent seamstress and a devoted church lady.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: CHRISTMAS FUND How to donate

To donate: Mail checks to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund, P.O. Box 516, Spokane, WA 99210; or deliver them to the newsroom on the fourth floor or the security guard in the lobby of the Review Tower, 999 W. Riverside.

For those needing help: The Christmas Bureau in Ag Buildings A and B at the Interstate Fairgrounds will be open 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weekdays, Dec. 11 to 22. Bring identification, proof of residence and proof of every family member (such as medical coupons). STA Bus Route 94 will take you to the fairgrounds.

Questions: A voice-mail answering service should answer most questions about the Christmas Fund: 459-5153.