A capella singers brighten Christmas Bureau

Fourteen a capella singers will spread holiday cheer for the Christmas Bureau’s opening Thursday, part of the musical group’s 12-day tour.

The Dartmouth College singers, who perform as X.ado, are mainly traveling to Seattle for the season’s performances but included three days this week in the Inland Northwest, thanks largely to its musical director’s local ties.

Spokane-raised Xanthe Kraft, a Dartmouth senior, sings in the co-ed group and directs it. She recently heard about the need for entertainers at the Christmas Bureau, which schedules multiple volunteer performers to entertain as recipients wait in line.

“We’re aware of the Christmas Bureau, and how happy it makes people to hear Christmas music there,” said Kraft, 21. “Because we are a Christian a capella group, we want to bring a lot of joy into areas that are perhaps not as commonly reached.”

X.ado also performed Wednesday at River Park Square, singing traditional carols such as “O Holy Night.” However, the bureau caught Xanthe Kraft’s attention.

A Gonzaga Prep graduate, Kraft is completing a double major at Dartmouth in computer science and philosophy.

“We are primarily college students, not primarily a singing group, but we put a lot of effort into our performances,” Kraft said. “Every year, our tour is the culmination of that hard work and to share what a beautiful gift music is.”

For Kraft, musical talent runs in the family. Her sister, 13-year-old Yvette Kraft, will separately perform at the bureau playing the violin. Yvette plays with the Spokane Youth Symphony and will play at the event solo and in a duet with friend Abigail Sund, 13.

At the Christmas Bureau, a variety of entertainment acts help pass the time as recipients wait in line. Other acts this year include Jimi Finn, who plays keyboard and sings, and the Hillyard Belles, performing toe-tapping, vaudeville-style singing and dancing routines.

Organized by Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review, the Christmas Bureau distributes toys, books and food vouchers so just over 30,000 needy people can have a merrier Christmas. It’s held through Dec. 19, except for Sunday, at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

The event is supported each year by donors who contribute to make the gift-giving possible. This year’s goal is to raise $525,000.

Recent donations

Geraldine Fait, of Spokane, gave $10,000.

Cecil Nuxoll and family, of Spokane, gave $5,000, writing, “We remember Mrs. Alice (Frank) Dillinger of Spokane, an 84-year friend of our family… enjoy this gift from our family in her memory.”

Marcy Few, of Spokane, gave $5,000 via PayPal, noting, “May God bless all volunteers and recipients of this great cause.”

Walker’s Furniture, of Spokane, contributed $2,000, and president Mark Walker, wrote, “In appreciation of our past and present loyal customers, we are contributing to your Christmas Fund in hopes of alleviating some of the hardship observed throughout our community.”

Linda and Wray Farmi, as well as Bill and Sharon Bronson, all of Spokane, each gave $1,000.

Bill and Mabel McInerney, of Priest Lake, gave $750.

Deb, Pam, and Jim Repp, of Spokane Valley, donated $600, writing, “Thanks for all that you do and for the many volunteers that make this happen.”

An anonymous Spokane donor contributed $500, noting, “You – the Review – do a great service with your Christmas Bureau.”

Mr. and Mrs. Walt Cummings, of Spokane, gave $500.

An anonymous Spokane donor sent in $500, writing, “Hope that it will help brighten the holiday season and provide some joy in the lives of those in need during this special time of year.”

Christi Smith, of Spokane, gave $500 via PayPal.

Joe and Pam Ridlington, of Mead, gave $400 with the note, “Thanks for all the hard work and organization of this wonderful way to help our community.”

Pam Ness, of Coeur d’Alene, gave $250.

Bev Massie, of Spokane, gave $250, writing, “Blessing to you all. Keep up the good work.”

James and Jeanette Koppa, of Spokane Valley, donated $250.

The Lynn & Ralph Schmidt Family Fund gave $250 via Schwab Charitable as an annual grant gift.

Harvey and Dorothy Lochhead, of Spokane, gave $200 with the note, “Our check is donated in memory of our nephew, Mark Dimond, son of Ellen Lochhead Dimond, and our niece, Sherrie Mercer, daughter of Bruce and Patti Lochhead.”

Johnny and Teryl Engleman, of Spokane, donated $200.

Joseph and Janice Kaley, of Spokane, gave $200, writing, “It is both a pleasure and a gift to donate to an organization that is local and helps the needy of our area. Our hope is that this season everyone can gather at the dinner table with love and respect for each other.”

Andrew and Leslie Smythe dropped off $200 cash.

Russell Cornell gave $200 via PayPal, “In honor of Ardith Divine,” and an additional $200, “In honor of Duke and Sue Cornell.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $200 via PayPal. “In loving memory of mom, Eunhi Hong.”

Pat and Jeannine Kelley, of Spokane, gave $150, writing, “We are making this donation in memory of our daughter, Kathy Wyland, who passed away last year. Hope it helps to brighten someone’s Christmas.”

Leona and Donna Isaak, of Spokane Valley, gave $150. “Our donation is in loving memory of Emil E. Isaak.”

Mildred Musselman, of Post Falls, gave $100.

Brant and Naomi Hall, of Spokane, donated $100.

Anita Cole, of Spokane, donated $100, writing, “This is from the Cole family in memory of Robert W. Cole, who loved Christmas.”

Maxine Kinzer, of Spokane, gave $100, noting, “I’m too old to be of any help, so thank you for all the work you do. A very Merry Christmas to all.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $100.

Verna Winton, of Spokane, contributed $100, writing, “This donation in honor of late husband, Marvin P. Winton, a longtime supporter and volunteer for and with the Christmas Bureau.”

Two anonymous Spokane donors each gave $100. One contributor said, “In loving memory of Charles Schmeltzer.”

John and Dolores Skelton, of Spokane, gave $100.

Jennifer Calvert, Marilyn Miller, and Thomas and Ruth Conklin, all of Spokane Valley, each donated $100. The Conklins wrote, “Please accept this donation in honor of the dedicated volunteers that serve to help add joy to all in Spokane.”

Orene Harder, of Veradale, gave $100, noting, “Given in honor of Marilee Roloff, who has served Crosswalk/VOA so capably and lovingly for 30 years.”

Keith and Rosemary Herdman gave $100 cash, “In memory of Beverly Gerlack.”

Patricia and John Birk gave $100 cash.

K. Baumgartner, of Reardan, gave $100 via PayPal, writing, “In grateful appreciation for the support given to Aunt Carol Davis almost 60 years ago – the ‘blue baby’ in 1946.”

Judith Young sent $100 via PayPal, given “from Myra, Kiara and Ashley.”

Barry and Deborah Cross, of Spokane, gave $75, writing, “On behalf of the Cross Family. We appreciate all that you and the many volunteers at the Christmas Bureau do and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Southsiders Book Club, of Spokane, gave $60, writing, “This money is to be used to purchase books. We strongly feel that books are the best gifts.”

Charles and Sharon Preston, of Nine Mile Falls, gave $50.

Charles and Judy Smith gave $50 cash.

Jarold Cartwright, of Spokane, gave $50 via PayPal, “in honor of Dr. Richard Treloar.”

Barbara K. Kogler, of Liberty Lake, gave $50 via PayPal.

Norma MacArthur, of Poulsbo, gave $50 via PayPal, “In memory of the Mellick Family.”

Mary K. Mace, of Liberty Lake, gave $48.45 via PayPal.

Steve Tilque, of Cheney, gave $40 cash.

Karen Ryan, of Spokane, donated $30, “from Karen and Kelly in honor of Pat Ryan.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $30.

Vickie Borer, of Spokane, gave $25.

Elizabeth Russell, of Spokane, gave $25. “Please accept this in memory of my parents Chuck and Joy White, who, in their time, were involved in their community for the common good.”

Tracy Howe, Barb Miller, and the Priest family each gave $25.

Melvin Pryor, of Spokane, gave $20.

Note: For donations made through PayPal, The Spokesman-Review contributed the PayPal processing fee.