Longtime friends volunteer at Christmas Bureau

Ron and Carole Thaxton have been going out to lunch or dinner with their friends and neighbors, Jim and Alaine Qualls, for three decades. At Christmastime, one of those shared meals is usually after volunteering together at the Christmas Bureau.

The Thaxtons began volunteering after a friend recruited them more than a decade ago. They, in turn, recruited their longtime friends, the Qualls.

“They’re a couple who loves to give and be part of helping,” Carole Thaxton said. “They have a lot of enthusiasm. It wasn’t hard to recruit them. They had heard us talk about it and wanted to be a part of it.”

The Christmas Bureau gives toys, books and food vouchers to almost 10,000 needy families. Funded by reader donations and staffed with about 400 volunteers, the charity, which is organized by Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review, served more than 30,000 people last year. It needs to raise $525,000 this season.

Alaine Qualls said volunteering at the Christmas Bureau is a fun way to give back.

“There’s nothing worse than not having something under the tree, or very little,” she said. “The spark is the people. I love interacting with people, adults and children. … We’ve been so blessed, we feel like we need to help give back.”

Along with volunteering to help families at the bureau, Qualls also is one of many entertainment acts that come to create a festive atmosphere for the recipients who may wait in line for several hours to select a book and toy for each child.

She plays Christmas tunes on the accordion, strolling around the bureau and showing the kids who are waiting in line how the instrument works, with its bellows and keyboard.

“There are so many times people have nothing to smile about and this is one thing that puts a smile on their faces,” Qualls said. “It makes your heart feel good. The little kids are so excited; they get to see all these toys. It gives me a sense of happiness and pleasure and it makes my Christmas, to know you are helping someone else.”

Thaxton agreed.

“It puts the rest of the Christmas season into the proper perspective; it puts the focus on the right place,” she said. “Part of it is the look in the people’s faces when you feel like you’ve helped them. It’s also the longtime associations and friendships you make along the way. Just being part of that faith and giving community. … It makes you feel like you made a difference in the Spokane community, and it’s always touching to see what the community has donated.”

New donations

Ronald Schoenberger, of Liberty Lake, gave $10,000. For 28 years Ronald and Shirley Schoenberger contributed to the Christmas Bureau, increasing their donation by 10 percent each year. Because Shirley recently died, Ronald increased that amount to $10,000 this year, in her memory.

“Shirley loved Christmas. She loved the Christmas displays in the stores, Christmas music, buying and wrapping gifts for her children, grandchildren and her many friends,” he wrote. “She was a very generous person and over the years she made many contributions to her favorite charities.

“She especially enjoyed trimming her Christmas tree with ornaments she gathered from her many trips to many different parts of the world. Speaking for the entire Schoenberger family, we thank you for your continued commitment to the citizens of our wonderful community and making this a better holiday season for thousands of people who might not otherwise receive a gift.”

Karen and David Crouse, of Hauser, gave $500.

Ruth and Walt Cummings, of Spokane, gave $500, as did an anonymous Spokane donor.

Jan Darc, of Coeur d’Alene, gave $300, as did the St. Joseph Catholic Parish, of Metaline Falls.

Jim and Julie Lehr, of Spokane, gave $250.

John and Catherine Caskey, of Spokane, gave $250. They wrote, “Thanks for all your hard work and dedication year after year!”

Bud and Bonnie Nelson, of Spokane, gave $200. “Thank you for such a much needed program and the good it does. Merry Christmas to all of the volunteers. You are wonderful,” they wrote.

Frank and Patricia Goodman, of Spokane, gave $200.

An anonymous retired newspaper employee, of Spokane, gave $155.

Lois Richards, of Spokane, gave $150.

Catherine Lundberg, of Spokane, gave $100: “With gratitude to all who work so hard to make this happen.”

Spokane donors giving $100 include Delores Crabtree, Jon Gardner, Joyce and Ralph Prouty, Lane Klees, and Mari-Lynn Sonner.

Mary Anne and Jerry Littlemore, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of their son Jerry Joe Littlemore Jr., who loved Christmas holidays, as well as both of their parents. “It makes us feel good inside our hearts to be able to give others a little more happiness,” they wrote.

Jim, Deb and Pam Repp, of Spokane Valley, gave $100. “We hope for the best for as many in Spokane as possible. Bless everyone this holiday season. Thanks for all you do,” they wrote.

Sharon and Skip Boyer, of Spokane Valley, gave $100. “Thank you once again for the privilege of contributing to this worthy cause,” they wrote.

An anonymous Spokane Valley donor gave $100.

Carol Phelps, of Spokane, gave $75.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $25.

Jerry and Karen Flikke, of Spokane, gave $25: “Thanks for all you do for the Spokane community.”

Robin and Teresa Griffith, of Spokane Valley, gave $20.