Christmas Fund 2000 Nine Days Left To Remember Kids At Christmas 801 Families Helped Friday

Christmas is about children, isn’t it? That’s how Christmas began 2,000 years ago - with a child.

And Christmas gift-giving is inspired by three kings and others who brought gifts to the Christ child. Maybe the sweetest story of giving is the fable of the boy who had only music to give, played on his drum.

Large gifts or small, no doubt each was genuinely appreciated.

So it is with The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund. Every gift, large or small, is genuinely appreciated.

A total of $9,631.37 in gifts of money was received Friday by The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund to help make Christmas a happy holiday for thousands of our children in need.

There’s a total so far of $249,200.14 toward our goal of $425,000. Please realize there are only nine days left until Christmas - and nearly $176,000 to raise. Actually, the Christmas Bureau closes in six days, at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 22.

At the Christmas Bureau on Friday, 801 families received $30,825 worth of food vouchers, 1,327 toys, 1,326 bags of candy and 1,327 books.

Among contributors Friday were Dr. Michael and Virginia Berg, 234 W. Sumner, who gave $1,300.

They wrote: “Once again, we want to send a gift to honor our Lord and Savior as we celebrate His birth in the names of our 13 grandchildren: Michael, Nina, Branden, Trevor, Brian, Daniel, Julia, Lance, Nicole, Sabina, Sophia, Meredith and Luke.”

Gifts of $500 came from Richard Morgans, Seattle; The Spokane Newspaper Employee Scholarship Foundation; Key Tronic Corp.; and members of the Inland Empire Mustang Club, with this note from Judy Thomas, treasurer:

“The joy and happiness that the fund brings to those less fortunate in our community during the holiday season is a tribute (to) the values and generosity of the members of the Spokane community. Again, as in the past, we issue a public challenge to the other car clubs in the area to meet or beat our contribution.”

Come on, car club members, rev up those engines.

Trentwood workers of Kaiser Aluminum contributed $446.37, but without a letter about just where the gift came from. All of Spokane is rooting for you, Trentwood employees.

Members of The Spokane Symphony Chorale sent $420 with this note from Vice President W.D. Bert Newman: “Each year our organization is pleased to participate in this fine charitable event, and this year we are contributing a record amount for our group.”

Bob and Mary Eckenrode, 614 W. 22nd, donated $300 in the names of their children: Mark and Kati Eckenrode, Crestline, Calif.; Matthew and Robyn Eckenrode, Tacoma; Tom and Caryn Aaker, London; Sara and Patrick Findlay, and Susan and Steve Wiegele, all from Renton.

Ibex Construction Inc., 8119 N. Regal, donated $300, as did Col. Claude and Mable Mitson, 2018 E. 63rd. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Norway, 6710 N. Country Homes Blvd., gave $250, as did Dr. Richard and Connie Stacey, 4712 S. Magnolia.

Gifts of $200 came from Jim Gower, 3917 N. Hawthorne, “in memory of … Margo Gower, my wife of 44 years”; Albert and Estelle Naccarato “in loving memory of the deceased (family) members of Joseph and Micheline Cozzetto and John and Fortunata `Mary’ Naccarato”; and three anonymous donors.

Thomas and Thelma Smith, Veradale, gave $150, as did The Meditation Center of Spokane, 628-1/2 N. Monroe.

Those donating $100 were Mike McKinnon, Toppenish, Wash.; Telco Credit Union, 428 E. Third; Daniel and Lorraine Klobucher, Chattaroy; Todd Hamm, 4021 W. Bismark Place; Joe and Tom Domini of Domini Sandwiches Inc., 703 W. Sprague; and the children of Laura Nappi, Spokane, with this note:

“Our wonderful mother, Laura Nappi, turned 80 in November. We make this donation to honor her long and interesting life, filled with six children, 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and a spirit of giving to others. Merry Christmas, Mom, Nana, Granny, love the six Nappi “kids”: Lucia, Joey, Carol Lynn, Janice, Becky and Robbie.”

Members of St. Andrew’s Guild at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church contributed $100, as did Grace and Edward Reynolds, 7007 N. Wiscomb; Diana Scherer, 2526 E. Nicklaus; and Evelyn Phillips, Liberty Lake, who wrote:

“At 90 years, in a nursing home recovering from a broken hip, I am so grateful for all that’s been given to me - and I will be home for Christmas. I wanted to help make some one else happy. I hope my donation does that.”

It does, indeed.

Don and Vicki Gorder, 10011 N. Comanche Drive, sent $100, and wrote: “My dad, Vic Cobb, was a very kind and generous man. At Christmas time he always remembered those less fortunate. He passed away this summer, but every day we remember him and his generosity to others, friends and family alike. In the spirit of giving that Dad always observed, please accept this check for those in Spokane who may not be as blessed as our family has been. Merry Christmas.”

Other $100 gifts came from Helen Snider, Spokane; Bob and Darla Kidd, Athol, Idaho, with, “Merry Christmas to our loving parents, Richard and Maxine Malone”; and Kenneth Bell, Greenacres, given “in memory of my dear wife, Lola, who passed away last year. She was always a most compassionate and caring person for those less fortunate.”

There were five anonymous gifts of $100, including one made in memory of Nick Haight.

Lyle and Rosalie Lueck, Spokane, gave $75.

Gifts of $50 came from the salaried retirees of Kaiser-Trentwood; Charles and Beatrice Neihart, Davenport; Cathy Mirich, 5118 S. Van Marter; Chuck and Arlene Carpenter, 13918 E. Sharp; and Mike, Linda, Chris and Annie Dunford, 2727 S. Perry, who wrote: “It is interesting reading the daily articles, anticipating how and when the goal will be met. We think your Christmas Fund is a great success for the Spokane community.”

There were three anonymous $50 gifts, and another from Bertha Booth, 5925 E. 17th, given “in memory of my beloved husband, Terry Booth, and our son, Chick.”

Donations of $40 came from Michael K. and Dianne Fitch, and an anonymous donor. Sam and Lynn McNary, 10124 N. Larchwood, gave $35, as did an anonymous donor who “decided to make it a tradition to honor a special friend who treats us to a wonderful Christmas brunch but refuses to allow us to bring anything. We know an anonymous gift to help others would be something that she could readily accept.”

Lesley Haskell contributed $30 in honor of her late mother- and father-in-law.

Gifts of $25 came from Catherine Corcoran, 708 W. 21st; Don and Catherine Durheim, 8614 E. Sharp; and Ruth Hart, 38 W. 29th, “in memory of my husband, Gordon Hart, whom we lost in November.”

Virginia Latenser, 5103 W. Northwest Blvd., gave $20, as did Wynona Lewis, 1722 W. Bridge.

Jan and Albert Angulo gave $15, with this note: “I work in a place that helps the poor. I’ve seen what need there is right here in Spokane.”

Giving $10 were Arlene Pokstefl, Greenacres; Constance Dobbins, 5605 N. Madison; and an anonymous donor.