Income barriers tumble as community chips in
A merry Christmas is often messy. Crinkled wrapping paper, open gift bags and empty boxes create a colorful and chaotic scene as children push them aside in favor of presents that have been picked out with love.
This scene plays out in home after home across Spokane – no income barriers or poverty keeping kids from the delight of something new for Christmas – thanks to a community tradition of generosity through the Christmas Bureau.
“The Christmas Bureau creates a tremendous opportunity to make a lot of kids pretty happy at Christmas. Every child deserves at least one toy,” said volunteer Walter Erikson, a sentiment that’s echoed by hundreds of donors.
While the charity hasn’t yet met its $525,000 goal, it has just $15,005 left to raise by noon Monday, the cutoff for donations to count toward this year’s fundraising effort.
This season at the Christmas Bureau, 9,111 families chose from the stacks of books and toys to find “just right” gifts for their children. Bureau tables held books in every genre and at every reading level, while the toy room was stocked with a varied selection from art sets, skateboards and remote control cars to baby dolls, music players and makeup.
It was a merry scene filled with families happy for the opportunity to pick out presents for their children.
“There’s this misconception that the people who come through are miserable and suffering,” said Rob McCann, executive director of Catholic Charities, which organizes the bureau in partnership with Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review.
Though the recipients have daily struggles and little money, with the average household making less than $1,200 each month, the lines at the bureau are generously sprinkled with smiles and cheerful conversation. They’re Christmas shopping, courtesy of a caring community.
“They’re having a hard time but they come out feeling respect and compassion,” said McCann, adding, “This is a community effort.”
Along with books and gifts for their children, each family that came to the bureau received a $15 to $30 food voucher to help with a holiday meal. In all, 30,208 people were helped, including 15,783 children.
“People are very grateful,” said Marilee Roloff, CEO of Volunteers of America. “I’m not looking for gratitude but they’re grateful. They really care about their kids.”
Spokane clearly cares about those kids as well. Year after year the community sends in checks, cash and notes of good will to pay for the gifts given and ensure the Christmas Bureau tradition continues the next year.
New donations
Cochrane and Co., of Spokane, gave $7,500.
The owners and employees of Huppin’s Hi-Fi Photo and Video and OneCall.com, of Spokane, gave $5,002. “The Spokane community has been very good to us – we are privileged to participate in this important program. Thank you to The Spokesman-Review for providing this opportunity to brighten the holidays for each of us,” wrote President Murray Huppin.
Jack and Donna, of Spokane Valley, gave $5,000. “May the coming year be filled with good health and happiness,” they wrote.
A Spokane donor gave an anonymous $5,000 grant from a fund at Inland Northwest Community Foundation.
Thomas Kasson, of Spokane, gave $2,500.
Robert W. Kendall, of Spokane, gave $2,000, as did Keith and Jane Slater.
JMA Commercial Real Estate, of Spokane Valley, gave $1,500. The small commercial real estate property management and brokerage firm made this donation on behalf of clients, customers and tenants of the buildings they manage in lieu of giving them gifts. “We hope this donation will help others have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” wrote owner Jamie Traeger. “We truly appreciate your efforts every year to provide as many local families as possible the means to have a happy holiday season. Best wishes for a successful campaign.”
Jeff and Kim Brown, of Mead, gave $1,000. “Thank you for contributing all the donations to those in need,” they wrote.
The Schauble family, of Pullman, gave $1,000 “on behalf of their beloved Albert J. Schauble and Elizabeth Mary (Schauble) DeLong, devoted brother and sister, who for several generations stood as pillars of their families, large extended family, church and community. They exemplified the spirit and joy of Christmas throughout their lifetimes. Albert and Liz were, and still remain, the ‘wind beneath our wings.’ ”
Donald Rockstrom, of Spokane, gave $1,000.
Thomas Hammer, of Spokane, gave $970.70 via PayPal.
Gerald Winkler, of Spokane, gave $970.70 via PayPal, in thanks to all of the law enforcement officers serving the Spokane area.
The William A. Crosetto Charitable Foundation at Inland Northwest Community Foundation gave $500.
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $500, writing, “Once again I and my family are blessed with abundance. This is my way of showing my appreciation for God’s gifts and I hope this helps those in need.”
Other Spokane donors giving $500 include an anonymous donor, Jean and James Moore, Morris Wolff, Larry and Kathy Dilley, The Wagner family, and Tom and Colleen Tracy, who wrote, “We want to share some of our good fortune to help those in need; to celebrate the generous community we live in; to remember my dad John and mother-in-law Rita who we miss and think of daily; and to recognize our daughters Bri, Jen and Lindsey who we are so proud of.”
Wagstaff Inc., of Spokane Valley, gave $500.
Myron and Erin Higel, of Spokane, gave $485.20 via PayPal in memory of Richard Higel.
Robert Smith, of Spokane, gave $485.20 via PayPal.
Divcon Inc. and employees LJ Anderson, Eric Badgett, Sean Drury, Kane Mindermann and Erik Naccarato, of Spokane Valley, gave $450. Each employee donates to a charity of choice with the company matching their donations. “As a Spokane general contractor we appreciate your support of local families,” wrote President Shane Miller.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles 33433, of Veradale, gave $325 raised from a basket raffle. “Our motto is People Helping People and we would like to help the Christmas Bureau,” they wrote.
Manito Garden Apartments, of Spokane, gave $320. “I have the wonderful privilege to work for a great group of residents,” wrote social service coordinator Laurie Bradley, noting residents have an annual Christmas fundraiser with a white elephant sale. Half the proceeds go to the less fortunate and half go to their Manito Community Fund. “It always amazes me on how generous they can be, when they could even be struggling themselves,” wrote Bradley.
Sharon and Fred Clark, of Chattaroy, gave $300, as did Arlene and Jon Gordon, of Lacrosse, Wash.
Brian and Sarah Michaelson, of Spokane, gave $300.
Two anonymous Spokane donors gave $250, one in memory of Don Kell, “a shining example of giving. Thank you to the volunteers who gave so others could have a blessed Christmas.”
Bruce and Kathy Bixler, of Spokane, gave $250, writing, “in memory of our dear friend J. Birney Blair. We miss his laughter, his jokes, his spirit of life. A great man and community support. Thank you for all you do.”
The Dennis and Patricia Doyle Family, of Spokane, gave $250. “We have a new son-in-law so will raise our gift accordingly. Thank you for all you do,” they wrote.
Other Spokane donors giving $250 were Celia Garceau, Jan-Pro Northwest, Kevin Gilmore, and Lindsay Morgan.
Claire Murphy, of Spokane, gave $242.45 via PayPal, as did Gary and Teresa Critzer.
Diana and Ed Honodel Jr., of Otis Orchards, gave $200, as did William and Sharon Beck.
H.L. Kirkpatrick, Col. USAF (ret.), of Spokane, gave $200 in memory of his loving wife, Maureen.
James and Linda Hunt, of Spokane, gave $200, “a heartfelt wish that someone else’s Christmas is made a little more cheerful,” they wrote.
Kath’ren and Alexis Bay-Higdon, of Spokane, gave $200. “We already gave a donation but when we saw how low the funds were, we decided to dig a little deeper. Blessings to you all,” they wrote.
Brian and Mary Smith, of Spokane, gave $200 in memory of Denny Sulpizio and Ken Marcus.
Spokane donors giving $200 include Dorothy and Charles Carrier, Paul and Terry Giordanella, three anonymous donors, Steve and Theresa Helmbrecht, and Sharon Powell, who wrote, “Thanks for all you do!”
The family of H. Earl Davis, of Spokane, gave $200 in his memory, writing, “A very merry Christmas to all the volunteers and the staff of The Spokesman-Review, Volunteers of America and Catholic Charities. Thank you for helping to brighten the holidays for over 30,000 of our neighbors.”
Gary and Leanne Brosius, of Veradale, gave $200.
Jeff Gardner, of Spokane, gave $193.90 via PayPal, as did Patricia Bruininks.
Roman Artemov, of Spokane, gave $193.90 via PayPal, for “Inland Transport LLC., Serving the Northwest.”
An anonymous Newman Lake donor gave $150.
Paddy and Teri Inman, of Mead, gave $150 “for all the wonderful work you do in bringing so much joy to so many in our community,” they wrote.
Karen and Christophe Sherfey, of Spokane, gave $150, as did Kee and Roberta Bowden.
Paul and Willene Allison, of Spokane Valley, gave $150.
Thomas Satterfield, of Spokane, gave $145.35 via PayPal.
Jesse Zumbro, of Spokane, gave $115.
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $102.
Rob Bauerle, of Colbert, gave $100, as did James English, of Colville.
Edmund and Sally Burge, of Medical Lake, gave $100. “Each year it gives us a great feeling to see so many thoughtful and caring people. Keep up the good work,” they wrote.
Rosmar Farms, of Reardan, gave $100, as did an anonymous Nine Mile Falls donor.
David and Joann Savage, of Mead, gave $100. “Thank you all for joyous Christmas spirit you bring to our community,” they wrote.
An anonymous Portland donor gave $100 in memory of her grandma, Allene Hayden, “who touched so many with her kindness.”
Spokane donors giving $100 include Barry Chapman and Jessie Norris, two anonymous donors, Judith Dalich, Lanie Fry, Oscar and Lois Thomason, Waldo and Madonna Johnson, Diane Weber, Michael and Carol Lynn “Laurel” Nissley, Randy and Linda Laird, and Tom and Mary Lacy.
J.M. Lyons, of Spokane, gave $100, writing, “Thank you Spokane for the way you honor, respect and take care of all our military heroes and veterans, especially our fallen ones.”
Mickie Johnson and Terry Martin, of Spokane, gave $100. “We love the work you are doing. Merry Christmas,” they wrote.
Sandra and Andy Hoye, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of Conor Finnerty.
Soroptimist International, of Spokane, gave $100, writing, “Thank you for the service you provide to those less fortunate than many of us. Soroptimist International of Spokane works to improve the lives of women and children in our community and around the word.”
Helen Marksbury, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of her husband, Bob.
Joann Dunlap, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of her father, Joseph McNabb.
Joe and Lenny Kostelecky, of Spokane, gave $100, writing, “in honor of my sisters. We have all been so blessed and in need of little. This is our Christmas gift to them.”
Karol Kaye, of Spokane, gave $100 in memory of her mother, Nita Cave. “Keep up the good work,” she wrote.
Linda Anderson, of Spokane, gave $100. “Thanks to the bureau for all you do and for providing me an opportunity to spread a little cheer,” she wrote.
Norma Dippel, of Spokane, gave $100 in honor of her sister Scotty Dill.
Laurie and Patrick Thiel, of Spokane Valley, gave $100.
MaryEllen Thompson, of Spokane Valley, gave $100, writing, “thanks for all you do, in honor of my beautiful granddaughters, Katy, Sophie, Josie, Maddie, Beth, Andie and Marie Claire.”
Maureen and Robert O’Brien, of Spokane Valley, gave $100 in honor of their granddaughters Abigail and Faith.
Mike and Shelley Marleau, of Liberty Lake, gave $99.91 via PayPal in memory of Tera Jones.
Robert Yamada, of Spokane, gave $96.80 via PayPal. “Because I wanted my fantasy football earnings to be put to good use and I really like Christy Folkins,” he wrote.
George and Elise Bozzo, of Veradale, gave $80.
Jane Cunningham, of Spokane, gave $75.
Sherwood and Sara Jones, of Cheney, gave $50.
Bill and Cheryl Ardrey, of Moscow, Idaho, gave $50 “in honor of the memory of Jo Hudson. She was a loyal donator for many years. Thank you for all you do,” they wrote.
Spokane donors giving $50 include an anonymous donor, Connie Vetter, Brian Donahue, Peter and Beth Weller, Ron and Carole Thaxton, and Thomas and B.P. Pope.
Gilbert and Ann Peavey, of Chewelah, gave $50, writing, “I read your article about Sheena Springer. It made me think. I can give you a little, it might make one or two children happy this holiday season. Thank you for all you do for the children of Spokane.”
Bill and Kathy Tierney, of Liberty Lake, gave $50.
“Part of the anonymous family,” of Spokane, gave $50. “A big thank you for the wonderful work you do and telling us some of the stories of the people you serve! This is the first year we have contributed but plan to make it a yearly tradition,” they wrote.
Tim and Addy Hanley, of Spokane, gave $50 in honor of their families.
Myrna Schimmels, of Spokane Valley, gave $50 in memory of her husband, Gary. “Thanks for all your good works,” she wrote.
Theresa Schimmels, of Spokane Valley, gave $48.25 via PayPal in the name of her parents, Myrna and the late Gary Schimmels Sr.
Gerald Krumbholz, of Liberty Lake, gave $48.25 via PayPal.
Barbara Jewell-Potter, of Spokane, gave $35.63 via PayPal.
An anonymous Spangle donor gave $35. “Just wish we could add one or two more zeros to the amount!” they wrote.
Terry and Margie Bonk, of Medical Lake, gave $25, as did Janet and Glenn Gannon, of Spokane Valley.
Charlotte Jeltsch, of Spokane, gave $25.
An anonymous $25 donation reported Dec. 24 was in memory of Eddie Spitzer. His name was misspelled.
Dominic D’Agostino, of Spokane, gave $23.97 via PayPal, “to help homeless families at Christmas.”
Steph Zoldak, of Spokane, gave $20 in memory of officer Pete Marion and teacher Chris Korbel “who devoted their lives to working with the kids at Post Falls Middle School since the 1970s. Pete had the love and respect of all the students and staff. He was Dad to many. Chris worked in resource and was adored by her students and friends. Always a smile even after working through two bouts of cancer. She was a class act and was loved well,” she wrote.
Other Spokane donors giving $20 include Buddy Slater, Conner Slater, Jack Slater and Parker Slater.
Valerie Okert, of Spokane Valley, gave $15.
An anonymous Spokane donor gave $5.