Bureau sets opening-day record

Kirsten and Shelli Schauman sat down on their milk crates in front of the Spokane fairgrounds gate at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Nearly four freezing hours later, they hurried through the doors of the Christmas Bureau, excited to get into a heated building.

They weren’t alone in their eagerness to get the fixings of Christmas at the annual charity. Aaron, who declined to give his last name, rode his bicycle to the bureau, arriving at 4:30 a.m. Valerie, who also offered only a first name, arrived soon after, bringing a lawn chair and blankets.

The line grew to more than 50 people by the time the gate was unlocked at 7:45, and by 10 a.m., it snaked from the Ag Building to Havana Street.

The number of people served on opening day last year set a record. Wednesday’s numbers beat that. Volunteers gave out food vouchers totaling $49,595 to 1,570 families, 12 percent more than last year and 31 percent above opening day in 2006.

Toys and books were distributed to be given to 3,178 children, 13 percent more than opening day last year.

“We had to turn a lot of people away when we closed this afternoon,” Theresa Dryden, Catholic Charities special events coordinator, said Wednesday. “The line was out to Havana Street when we closed the doors.”

Those turned away were given tickets that will put them at the head of the line today.

Shelli Schauman has six children but came to the charity with no wish list. “My kids’ wish is that they get Christmas,” she said. Schauman worked at a fast-food restaurant until she was injured in late October. Now she’s waiting for knee surgery.

Many recipients are working poor people. Valerie, the woman who arrived at 4:30, said she has five children, ages 9 to 17. She works two jobs and has inquired about a third, but is still struggling. “This is the first year we have nothing,” she said.

By the time the Schaumans, who are sisters-in-law, reached the computer table to receive grocery vouchers, Kirsten’s 17-year-old daughter was calling her to report that she was up and getting ready for school.

“Her name’s Miranda, like the rights,” Kirsten said. “She’s amazing. She’s taking calculus in school, she works and she helps out with the bills.”

Shelli Schauman spent 20 minutes at the book tables. “My second-grader struggles with reading, but he likes it,” she said. “I want something he can read to me. All my kids like books.”

Five hours after arriving, the Schaumans thanked the volunteers at the bagging tables, wished everyone within hearing distance happy holidays, and headed for the parking lot with food vouchers, candy and three big bags of toys.