Donors help Christmas Fund blow past halfway mark
With one week left until Christmas, the Christmas Bureau blew past the halfway point of its $525,000 fundraising goal.
Travis Pattern and Foundry donated $35,000, a generous gift that has become a tradition for the Spokane-based company. In addition, Teck American Inc. sent in a second donation after reading about the Christmas Fund’s struggle to keep pace with fundraising goals.
Thanks to those gifts and more than 150 new donors, the charity has raised $331,923.47.
This season more than 1,000 people, businesses and groups have given what they could, from dollar bills sent in Christmas cards to thousands given from corporate accounts with warm wishes.
Every bit helps the holiday charity, which will continue to distribute toys, books and food vouchers to families in need through Friday. The fundraising underway will pay the bills for those distributions.
A $60 donation, for example, is enough to help a family with two kids, thanks to the cost-saving efforts of the volunteer book and toy buyers. That family could get a board book and stuffed turtle that crawls for their baby, a remote-control helicopter and a Gordon Korman novel for their 12-year-old, and a $30 grocery store voucher so they all can enjoy a nice holiday meal.
The Christmas Bureau, which was founded in 1945, relies on community donations, with 96 percent of the money raised going directly to pay for the books, toys and food vouchers given at the bureau.
One of the families on the receiving end of the community’s generosity is that of Shelena Wall-Carpinteyro.
She came to the bureau to choose a book and toy for her son Benjamin, who’s 18 months old.
“All of our money goes to rent and electricity,” she said, noting her husband works full time installing drywall but only makes $800 each month. “If it weren’t for the Christmas bureau we wouldn’t have anything for Christmas.”
New donations
Travis Pattern and Foundry donated $35,000 in lieu of hosting a Christmas party, in part because they knew the donation would be well-distributed. “We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a great new year in 2014,” wrote Travis Garske, president.
Teck American Inc. gave $5,000, their second donation of the season. “We’ve read of your need and would like to submit this additional $5,000 check to help out,” wrote David Godlewski, vice president of environment and public affairs.
A. Haley, L. Haley and P. Harder, of Spokane, gave $5,000, writing, “we would like to share the blessings of this season.”
Hal Dixon, of Spokane, gave $2,500.
Thomas Kasson, of Spokane, gave $2,000.
Tom and Cheri Susens, of Spokane, gave $1,000 “in loving memory of our brothers, Barry and Mark and to honor our daughters and grandsons who continually bless our lives. We are so fortunate. We hope this will help others have a merry Christmas.”
Two anonymous Spokane donors gave $1,000, one of them “in loving memory of Al and Lilian Rudolf who taught me the joy of giving.”
Justin and Tamie Voelker, of Spokane Valley, gave $1,000, as did an anonymous Spokane Valley donor.
Donna J. Hares, of Spokane, gave $750 in memory of her deceased husband Donald W. Hares, who died almost nine years ago. “This was his favorite charity because all the money given went for the charity and there wasn’t anybody getting paid for doing this,” she said. “I pick and choose my charities. I want it to go where it’s needed and I like to do it locally. I give to the Union Gospel Mission too. I wish he was here but I can do this. I enjoy it.”
The South Hill Bunco Babes gave $672. “We are grateful to be able to gather monthly for bunco and fellowship and support the fund with our contributions,” they wrote.
An anonymous Greenacres donor gave $500 “to welcome two new members, Mason and Nate, to our extended family.”
Spokane donors giving $500 include Mr. and Mrs. Walt Cummings, an anonymous donor, Richard and Sally Petersen, and Mike and Rita Gibson and family, who wrote, “good luck with the fundraising.”
Margaret Hinnenkamp, of Spokane, gave $500 in memory of past family and friends. “Merry Christmas to all the workers, volunteers and recipients of the Christmas fund. Thanks,” she wrote. “May your goal be reached.”
Ed and Lyn Van Vliet, of Spokane, gave $500 “in memory of legend Vandal broadcaster Bob Curtis.”
BPS Supply Co. gave $500, writing, “From BPS Supply and all its employees we give to help those in need. We appreciate all you do for our community. Thanks to The Spokesman-Review, Volunteers of America, Catholic Charities and the many volunteers who donate their time and services to make this possible.”
John and Marlene Connolly, of Spokane, gave $485.20 via PayPal.
Robert and Mary Eckenrode, of Spokane, gave $400. “Every year, our children encourage us to make this donation instead of buying gifts for them. We all have so much and we are grateful for the amazing volunteers who make this event happen for those who have so little,” they wrote.
Albert Materi, of Spokane, gave $350 “in memory of my parents and all my family. All of us in our lifetimes have to deal with adversity. The power of prayer and lesson of the eight beatitudes teach us that all is possible. The serenity prayer tells us to never give up hope and stay strong. Peace and love to all,” he wrote, adding, “Thanks to all the volunteers who make this possible.”
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $350 in honor of their nine grandchildren and deceased parents. “Thanks to all of your volunteers for their tireless efforts.”
An anonymous LaCrosse, Wash., donor gave $300, writing, “What a fantastic cause!”
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Newbill, of Otis Orchards, gave $300.
Cheryl and Bryce Backus, of Spokane, gave $300 to remember the families who’ve lost loved ones this year. “We give this gift in memory of Rebecca Harvey, Carl Schultz and Bob Sheppard. May their families know that our thoughts will be with them this Christmas,” they wrote. “We all must remember to love our family and friends with all our heart and be thankful for all our blessings. We send our best wishes to all the volunteers at the Christmas Bureau.”
John Shuster and Dawn Hirakawa of Spokane gave $300, as did Greg and Colleen Stevens.
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $291 via PayPal, as did Bob and Diane Notske, who gave in memory of Don Kelly.
Phillip Jones and Christina Marino, of Spokane, gave $275 in memory of Julie. “Thank you for providing a wonderful, generous opportunity for those who need some Christmas spirit in their lives,” they wrote.
An anonymous Colville donor gave $250. “What a better place our world would be if we had more people like you,” they wrote.
Gretchen Renz, of Loon Lake, gave $250. “Thank you for providing us an opportunity to share with our neighbors. I know the Christmas Bureau is a blessing for those who receive, but it is also a huge blessing for those of us who give as well.”
Two anonymous Spokane donors gave $250, one writing, “To everyone involved in the Christmas Bureau, a great big ‘thank you and God bless you all!’ ”
Other Spokane donors giving $250 were Harry Fuhs, Debra and Bruce Howard, Pam Ness, and Inland Empire Drywall Co.
An anonymous Cheney donor gave $200.
Nicole, Mike, John and Molly Edmunds, of Spokane, gave $200 “in loving memory of my husband and children’s father, Big Mike, and our parents and grandparents, Bob and Nan Weller and Francis Edmunds.”
A Spokane donor with the last name Krauss gave $200, writing, “I can, so I do!”
An anonymous Spokane donor gave two checks totaling $200.
Dave and Bobbie McGann, of Spokane, gave $200 “in memory of our dear departed friends who worked at and believed in the Bureau each year! Elinore, Margie, Donna, Linda, and Don Kelly.”
Diana and Otto Schumacher, of Spokane, gave $200 “to honor the memory of our good friends, Ted Wilson, Ron Ruhl, Hank Gokee and Terry Dudley,” they wrote. “Thank you so much for providing us and our community with this annual opportunity to offer some help to those in need.”
Other Spokane donors giving $200 were Kirk and Janet Bierwagen, an anonymous donor, Deborah and William Keith, Mary Kay and E. Dawes Eddy, and James and Barbara Green.
Ralph and Sandra Laws, of Cheney, gave $175 for Patrick, Steven, Elysiya and Hannah.
Two anonymous Spokane donors gave $150, one writing, “Thanks for giving everyone a chance to give back to the community. You ‘rock.’ ”
Colleen Birchill, of Spokane, gave $150 “in memory of Jack Birchill who always gave to the Christmas Fund. Thank you to all the volunteers who help out each year.”
Other Spokane donors giving $150 were Tom and Marcia O’Leary, Ruth Pearson and Jon Snyder.
Rich and Terry Hagelin, of Spokane Valley, gave $150 in memory of George E. Love.
Kristen West, of Nine Mile Falls, gave $145.35 via PayPal “to celebrate the giving spirit of Spokane.”
Robert McVicars, of Spokane, gave $145.35 via PayPal.
Patti Fowler, of Spokane, gave $130.
Ellen Krehbiel and Jeff Wasson, of Colbert, gave $125 “in honor of our 9 Wasson and 1 Krehbiel grandchildren.”
Paul and Kelly Moorman, of Spokane, gave $125.
Robert and Donna Syron, of Clayton, Wash., gave $100.
The Bundys, of Deer Park, gave $100, writing, “keep up the good work.”
MaKayla, Christopher, Christen, Micheal and Tyler Hatch, of Fernley, Nev., gave $100 in memory of Grandpa PT and Grandma Carolyn.
An anonymous Moscow, Idaho, donor gave $100 “in memory of a dear husband and my dear father. They both made a huge effort to make Christmas special,” she wrote. “Thank you for all that you do for people in this area.”
Betty and Frederick Becker, of Pullman, gave $100, writing, “Thank you for all the good work you are doing.”
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $100 via PayPal.
Elinor Iverson, of Spokane, gave $100. “Thank you for all the caring, good work you do,” she wrote. “I’m proud to be able to help in this small way.”
Other Spokane donors giving $100 include Carol and Alfred Stopp, Jon and Judith Gardner, Bruce and Lynn Wagner, Melvin and Gloria McFadden, seven anonymous donors, Muriel and Irma Cleveland, Dianne Bongarts, William Roberts, Jeff Stewart, Jim and Geri Swope, and Kathleen Treffry, who wrote, “Merry Christmas. My family has everything we need – hopefully this will help someone who doesn’t.”
Bob and Pat Wright, of Spokane, gave $100. “Thank you for the sunshine you bring to others,” they wrote. “This donation is for my children and grandchild’s Christmas. Cheryl Calvert, Roger Kelso David and Leslie Calvert, Joshua Calvert, Mike Calvert, Ramsey, Leslie and Conner Stamper and Aaron Stamper.”
Dave and JoAnn Schwartz, of Spokane, gave $100. “We hope this helps reach your goal,” they wrote. “In memory of son, David and great-grandson, Alexander David.”
Other Spokane donors giving $100 include George and Barbara Stevens, Gene Hubbell, Heather and Harold Vanderpool, Marie Lindquist, James Duffy, Raymond and Judy Emerson, Waldo and Madonna Johnson, James Kershner, Phyllis Robison, Vern and Donna Knudsen, Al and Vicki Falkner, Greg Woods, Erik and Julie Ohlund, and an anonymous donor who gave in remembrance of Joanne Robinette.
Terry and Cheryl Sticka, of Spokane, gave $100 “in loving memory of our fathers, Leo Sticka and Gene Esser. Thank you for all you do to make the holidays brighter.”
Harold Wilson, of Spokane, gave $100, writing, “Here’s hoping for another great year.”
Gerry Giles, of Spokane, gave $100. “This is the one charity my late wife Arlene and I enjoy giving each year,” he wrote. “I know it helps so many people in need. To everyone at the bureau, Merry Christmas and happy New Year.”
Spokane Valley donors giving $100 include Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Flory, Dolores Hanson, James and Helen Skindlov, and an anonymous donor and Peggy Nelson, who wrote, “For the good work you do each year.”
Lola and Lloyd Emter, of Veradale, gave $100.
Greater Spokane AARP Chapter 384 gave $100. “I hope this small amount will help you reach your goal,” wrote Gerry Giles, treasurer. “We wish everybody a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.”
Jennifer Koenig, of Mead, gave $96.80 via PayPal.
Sylvia Oliver, of Spokane, gave $96.80 via PayPal.
Megan Vulcan, of Spokane, gave $96.80 via PayPal “In honor of the good Samaritans who stopped to help us on Thanksgiving eve when we rolled our pickup on Lookout Pass with our 6-month-old. You were our angels that day and we wish we knew who you were to say thank-you. We are all ok and hope everyone realizes.”
An anonymous Spokane Valley donor sent two checks totaling $90. “We hope this will help with the Christmas Bureau,” they wrote. “Thank you to all who make this fund possible.”
Vasa Northstar Lodge #145, of Coeur d’Alene, sent $75.
Matthew Ames, of Bayview, Idaho, gave $57.96 via PayPal, as did George Falk, of Spokane.
Sara Jones, of Cheney, gave $50 in memory of her husband, Sherwood Jones. “Thank you for the good work you do,” she wrote.
An anonymous Liberty Lake donor gave $50, as did an anonymous Mead donor.
Ray, Kelly and Elizabeth Schatz, of Spokane, gave $50. “We give again this year in memory of Karen Schatz Dunning. She would have been 50 years old this year. It will be our twentieth Christmas without her,” they wrote. “Thank you for your continued support of the Christmas Fund.”
Spokane donors giving $50 include George Louis, Mary and Dana Besecker, Shirley Doneen, two anonymous donors, Mrs. Marge Boyles, Marion Moos, Gary Graham, Raymond Morrison, Leslie and Lois Albert, Kevin and Judy Heid, who gave for Dr. Kevin Heid, and Bill and Betty Weller, who gave in memory of Josh Wilkerson.
Cherie and Douglas Foss, of Spokane, gave $50 “in memory of Dad.”
Spokane Valley donors giving $50 were Georgia and Leo Lang; Joann Heth; John, Jody and Jack Beck; Bob and Cil LaFountain; and Susan and Camilla English.
Inland Empire Paper Company gave $50 on behalf of employee James German. To advocate a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, the company has a random testing program. Employees who are selected for screening can direct $50 to a charity of their choice. German chose the Christmas Bureau.
Katherine Strickler, of Moscow, Idaho, gave $48.25 via PayPal.
Judy Colbert, of Spokane, gave $48.25 via PayPal “in memory of my father, Lyle Bossuyt who always made sure his family had a wonderful Christmas.”
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $48.25 via PayPal.
Richard and Claudia Kroll, of Nine Mile Falls, gave $30, writing, “Thanks for the work that you do for our community.”
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $30.
Joi Anderson, of Elk, gave $28.83 via PayPal.
Doris Anderson, of Liberty Lake, gave $25, as did Michael and Da’Lea Cotter, of Otis Orchards.
Spokane donors giving $25 were Doris Matsch and three anonymous donors, one who wrote, “Thank you for faithfully running the Christmas Bureau every year.”
David Hargreaves, of Spokane, gave $23.97 via PayPal, as did the Franco Gasperino family.
Curt and Mary Jo Lorenz, of Chattaroy, gave $20.
Betty and Max Saxton, of Spokane, gave $20, as did Ron Goblick and an anonymous Spokane donor.
An anonymous Spokane donor $15, and an anonymous Spokane donor gave $5.