Being displaced by windstorm can’t keep couple from the Christmas Bureau

Steve and Theresa Lamp’s plans for a Christmas at home got crushed, literally, when a 90-foot-tall pine destroyed their North Spokane house during the Nov. 17 windstorm.

The tree that broke through the roof also landed 8 feet from where Steve Lamp rested with the family dog. His wife, who was away at work, said she’s just thankful her husband escaped unharmed. She also dismissed any hardship.

And despite being displaced, the couple, who are longtime Christmas Bureau volunteers, never considered missing their scheduled days helping at the event, which is open daily through Saturday.

“I have my family; that’s all I need,” said Theresa Lamp, 61. Homeowners insurance will cover an estimated $90,000 in damage, and household items are in storage. They’re living in a furnished, extended-stay apartment at Ruby Suites, likely home until April after repairs are done.

“It wasn’t going to stop us from volunteering,” said Steve Lamp, also 61. “Once we moved, it gave us something to do, and the best part of volunteering is you’re giving to others.”

Steve Lamp added, “What the Christmas Bureau has done is awesome. The people who come in are so gracious and so blessed that they get a gift, because some of them can’t afford anything.”

The couple have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law, and Theresa Lamp said they also consider people at the Christmas Bureau as family. She’s volunteered 23 years, and her husband, who retired from teaching, began helping at the bureau five years ago.

Before working at the I.D. table this week, she listed some of the people already helped this year, including a woman displaced because of a recent house fire. Others are just released from jail, here from out-of-state to escape domestic violence, or relocated closer to kids though they’re not primary caregivers, she said.

“People are here who are displaced day to day,” she said. “For us to be displaced six months, that’s nothing. We have a roof over our head and food in our belly.”

Theresa Lamp also credited the many other bureau volunteers who return each year. “It’s a tradition for many of us who volunteer through the years. It wouldn’t be Christmas without this for many of us.”

For Christmas, the Lamps will have family visiting them, and they’ll go to celebrations at relatives’ homes in Spokane. They also will keep some holiday traditions, including construction of candy-and-cardboard houses or churches, said Steve Lamp.

“We do it with two other families who come over, and I think one year had a Europe theme, and another year was a Superbowl theme,” he said. “This year, it will be a house with a tree in it.”

The Christmas Bureau, located at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, typically serves about 9,000 needy families who receive toys, books, and food vouchers in time for the holidays. The charity is organized by The Spokesman-Review, Catholic Charities and Volunteers of America.

Each year, generous donors make the Christmas Bureau possible. This year’s goal is to raise $525,000.

New donations

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $10,000, writing, “Thanks to all the organizers and wonderful volunteers. I am blessed to support this generous coming together of the Spokane community.”

Testcomm LLC, of Spokane, gave $5,500, writing, “We are proud to be part of the Spokane community and to continue our participation in this annual event of sharing and caring.”

Klaue Family Foundation, a longtime Spokane donor, gave, $5,000, writing, “We are very thankful to be a part of a program for many years that brings much joy, brightness, happiness and blessings to the families and organizations in need.”

Etter, McMahon, Lamberson, Van Wert, & Oeskovich P.C., of Spokane, gave $2,500 and wrote, “As always, thank you for your efforts to provide a better holiday to those in need in our community.”

Spokane Regional Plan Center, of Spokane, contributed $2,500. The organization has given since 1994 and asked potential donors to consider families and children who benefit. “They are not faceless causes thousands of miles away, but rather our own neighbors. … Every donation is vital for the Christmas Fund to meet its goal of providing a happy holiday for those less fortunate.”

Michael Altringer, of Spokane, gave $2,000.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $2,000 “in memory of my beloved and missed husband.”

Plastic Surgery Northwest, of Spokane, gave $2,000 as an annual gift from physicians and staff. “We’re so appreciative of the admirable work done by The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund. It is an honor to be able to contribute to your efforts as you give to those in need this holiday season.”

John Baumhofer, of Spokane, gave $1,500 “in memory of my mother and my aunt.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $1,250.

Jeff and Kim Brown, of Mead, gave $1,000.

Tipke Manufacturing Co., Max J. Kuney Co., and Paul and Kathy Lin, all of Spokane, each gave $1,000.

Virginia and Michael Berg, of Spokane, gave $1,000 via PayPal.

An anonymous Otis Orchards donor gave $800.

Burma and Richard Williams, of Spokane, gave $600, thanking The Spokesman-Review and charities that support the Christmas Bureau.

Rhea Dow Charitable Fund at Schwab Charitable Spokane gave $500.

Larry and Kathy Dilley, John and Janet Peterson, Sean and Gretchen LaSalle, and Sally Bulger Quirk and Tim Quirk, all of Spokane, each gave $500.

Robert and Mary Eckenrode of Spokane, gave $500. “We contribute to the Christmas Fund in lieu of giving Christmas gifts to our children. They’re all happy that we do this!”

The Sullivan family gave $500, writing, “Thank you so much for the wonderful article 12/3/15 on our brother Dan Sullivan. He truly loved the holiday season and the Christmas Bureau! The article was such a surprise and gift to us. In memory of our brother Dan.”

Ted and Dorothy Matthews, of Spokane Valley, gave $500 “in memory of our lovely daughter, Bettyann Matthews.”

An anonymous Valleyford donor gave $500.

Linda Solan gave $500, writing, “It’s a pleasure each year to be able to contribute to the Christmas Bureau on behalf of myself and my late husband.”

Donald Moore, of Spokane, gave $400.

St. Joseph Catholic Church, of Metaline Falls, gave $350.

Scott and Marsha Jones, of Spokane, gave $350 cash.

An anonymous Deer Park donor gave $300 “in memory of Milton and Fay Echelbarger.”

Wes and Dorothy Newbill, of Otis Orchards, gave $300. “Thank you to all who make this possible.”

Sam and Harriet Van Wyck, of Spokane, gave $300. “We want to honor our dedicated administrators and staff at Rockwood South Hill Retirement Community for keeping us safe during the windstorm.”

Craig and Pauline Soehren, Steven and Lorrie McNutt, and four separate anonymous donors, all of Spokane, each gave $300. One of the anonymous donors has given to the fund since 1953.

An anonymous Spokane Valley donor gave $300.

Timothy and M. Camille Schmidt, of Valleyford, gave $300.

Maryann Cooley, of Cheney, gave $300 via PayPal.

Tim and Darlene Holliday, of Spokane, gave $250. “This donation is in memory of our son Russell ‘Air Hoss’ Holliday.”

Daniel Lennon, Judith Hudson and two separate anonymous donors, all of Spokane, each gave $250. Hudson’s gift is “in memory of Bob Lamp.”

An anonymous Chattaroy donor gave $250.

Alan and Darci Gayda, of Colville, gave $250.

An anonymous Saltese, Washington, donor gave $250.

Dan and Scooter Mahoney, of Spokane, gave $250, an annual gift honoring the final group of graduates of the Master of Anesthesiology Education program at Gonzaga University and Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Dennis and Patricia Doyle, Carl and Dennie Crowe, Bruce and Frances Rogers, Linda and Clayton Dunn, Linda Cannon, Roger and Barbara Tompkins, and Nancy and Scott Stowell, all of Spokane, each gave $200.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $200 saying, “Thank you for this great community gift especially after budgets got strained with power outage.”

Roger and Kathleen Chase, Bob and Gerry Conrad, Rob and Terri Breidenbach, Joe and Jeanie Hensley, and Chris Carroll, all of Spokane, each gave $200.

Barry Bergau, of Spokane, gave $200 “in name of Debbie Montgomery as gift exchange and in memory of Terry Montgomery who passed away this year.”

Felicia Kendall, of Spokane, gave $200 “in memory of Soveig Bueschke and Dan Sullivan, two very special people.”

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $200.

The Caldwells, of Spokane, gave $200 “in loving memory of our family members who have passed.”

Rob and Laurie Sargent, of Spokane, gave $200 saying, “Thanks for all you do for the Spokane community.”

Paul Cottrell, of Spokane, gave $200 “in memory of our parents Charles and Joyce Cottrell and Clay and Marjorie Sloan.”

Bob and Marge Folsom, of Spokane, gave $200 “in memory of his son Randy and Marge’s brothers Jim and Roger and sister LaVonne.”

An anonymous Valleyford donor gave $200 “in memory of my father, Donald Johnson, and my niece, Devin Johnson.”

Bill Ross, of Spokane, gave $200 via PayPal.

An anonymous donor, of Ashland, New Hampshire, gave $200.

Elaine Cullen, of Chattaroy, gave $200 “in memory of my dad, David Padgham.”

Tom and Nancy Nelson, as well as Colbert Quilt Charmers, all of Colbert, each gave $200.

Nels and Doloris Nelson, of Liberty Lake, gave $200 “in honor of our family and to join in this time of giving and joy.”

Gregory and Diane Wick, and Alan and Sandra Fruetel, all of Mead, each gave $200.

Westwind Kennels, of Medical Lake, gave $200.

Ralph and Sandra Laws, of Cheney, gave $150.

Jennifer Brandt, of Greenacres, donated $150.

Jack and Phyllis Worden, Donald Gale Jr., Steve and Peggy Koehler, Jeff and Becky Olson, and three separate anonymous donors, all of Spokane, each gave $150.

Colleen Birchill, of Spokane, gave $150 “in memory of Jack Birchill and with thanks to all the volunteers.”

Roger Gordon, of Sun City, Arizona, gave $150 via PayPal.

James Clanton, of Spokane, gave $135.

Neil and Roberta Green, of Mead, gave $125.

Richard Torpie gave $125 via PayPal.

JoAnn Nielsen, Jon and Jacqueline Peterson, Phillip and Marilyn Sandberg, and Douglas and Kathleen Rivard collectively gave $125 “from our tennis group fondly known as ‘Spokane’s Finest.’ ”

Spokane Power Squadron, a safe-boating group, gave $125 as one of five area charities supported.

Margaret Yurik-Clemons gave $105 via PayPal, writing, “in loving memory of John Yurik.”

Barbara Lien, of Spokane Valley, gave $103.30 via PayPal “in memory of Brian Gavin.”

Melodie Olsen, Jim and Margo Walesby, Jose and Anna Maria Cepeda, Lorraine Cannon, Phyllis and Craig Adams, Patrick and Dee Cerutti, Jessie Norris and Barry Chapman, Corinne Hirst, Nancy Stone, Joan and Joel Rogers, John and Alexis Chasse, Sharon Grimmer, Rick and Marnie Wands, Eddie and Sharon Cassens, Wanda Freese, Marcy and Mark Majeski, and Darcy Hardin, all of Spokane, each gave $100.

Five separate anonymous Spokane donors each gave $100.

Lenore Romney, of Spokane, $100 via PayPal.

Jennifer Milne, of Spokane, gave $100 via PayPal, with the note, “donated by Nathan and Jennifer Halvorson.”

Alison Wais, of Spokane, gave $100 via PayPal.

Minnie Samek, of Spokane, gave $100, dedicated to friends, families and others as well as “in memory of husband Phil and son Darrell who I miss dearly.”

Joan Williams, of Spokane, gave $100, “ in memory of my husband, Ray Anderson who loved all children all the time.”

Harold and Leona Dexter, of Spokane, gave $100, “thank you to all you volunteers at the bureau. We’re so glad you’re able to help so many people with your time.”

Dudley Mizoguchi and Jody Leifer, of Spokane, gave $100 “in memory of John Traynor.”

Jack and Kathleen Ossello, of Spokane, gave $100 “in honor of Kathy Lackie’s birthday.”

Donna Carter, of Spokane, gave $100 “in memory of my brother, Thomas Glover.”

Peggy and Robert Frank, of Spokane, donated $100 “in memory of Dennis Fruen.”

Gary and Judy Spangelo, of Cheney, donated $100.

Elmo Bartlett, of Cheney, gave $100 “in memory of Mariam Bartlett.”

Diana Helmer, of Colbert, gave $100.

Raymond Morrison, of Deer Park, gave $100.

Kenneth and Helen Evans, of Mead, gave $100.

An anonymous Nine Mile Falls donor gave $100, writing, “as a child of the Depression I never forgot what it was like.”

James and Kathryn Clift, of Otis Orchards, gave $100.

Dave and Karen Trejbal, of Rockford, gave $100.

Bob and Louise Hall, of Spangle, gave $100.

Teresa and Richard Hagelin, Robert and Leeann Hanke, Gary and Cheryl Allen, three separate anonymous donors, Sally and Walter Bonsack, and Robert Harris, each gave $100.

Joseph Guerrinha, of Spokane Valley, gave $100, “in memory of Joaquim and Candida Guerrinha.”

Mary Bosaaen, of Spokane, $100 via PayPal, writing, “Seth Oliver would worry every year about the fund making goal. In memory of Seth.”

Nancy Biggerstaff, of Spokane, gave $100 via PayPal.

Konni Dietz, of Spokane, $100 via PayPal, writing “in honor of our grandchildren Amanda and Wyatt.”

Timothy Scheidt, of Cheney, gave $100 via PayPal.

Les Hunt gave $100 cash.

An anonymous donor gave $100 cash “in memory of Patti Fowler.”

Myrna Shockley gave $100 “in memory of husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather Vern Shockley, from his family. He is missed.”

Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter gave $100 “to honor our past president, Mary Westover Johnson, on receiving the Touchmark Humanitarian Award for exemplary service to the Spokane community.”

Anonymous Spokane Valley donor gave $96, writing, “I add $1 to each year, as I grow older, and am up to 96 years. Looking forward to the big 100.”

Alan and Deanna Eppinger, Clinton and Patricia Degenhart, Mike Yake, and an anonymous donor, all of Spokane, each gave $75.

Anonymous Spokane Valley donors gave $65.

Phyllis Hanson, of Spokane, donated $60.

Michael Hughes, of Spokane Valley, gave $52.

An anonymous Cheney donor gave $50 “In memory of Frances Risdon.”

Edward and Susan Leach, of Coeur d’Alene, gave $50.

An anonymous Liberty Lake donor gave $50.

Robert and Barbara Bly, of Newman Lake, gave $50 “in memory of our mother, Lotus McClenahan.”

Steve Salins, of Ritzville, Washington, gave $50.

Ruth Johnson, of Spokane, gave $50, writing, “Given in recognition of bureau volunteer Brenda Parker and her compassionate, upbeat spirit!”

Jack and Janet Arkills, of Spokane, donated $50, writing “$25 for the two brothers, Duane Arkills and Ron Arkills in lieu of Christmas gifts. We have enough!”

Mr. and Mrs. James Mcindoe, James and Janet Jarrell, Eldred and Bertha Hicks, Lois and Leslie Albert, Bob and Pat Loomis, James Duffy, Suzanne Grainger (via PayPal), Thomas Richardson (via PayPal), and three anonymous donors, all of Spokane, each gave $50.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $50 “in memory of Dad, Mom and Don.”

Dalton and Karen Jassman, of Spokane, gave $50 “in memory of Ole and Dorothy Alm.”

Mary Peer, of Spokane, gave $50 “in memory of my husband, Denny Peer.”

Ken and Bev Stam, of Spokane, gave $50 “in memory of Hilda Sobolewski.”

Nancy Moore, of Spokane Valley, gave $50 “to honor my late husband, Roger,” who delighted in the sights and sounds of Christmas. “He had a generous heart and felt joy in making Christmas better for those less fortunate.”

Joi Anderson, of Elk, gave $50 via PayPal.

Thomas and Bessie Pope, of Spokane, donated $40.

Richard and Claudia Kroll, of Nine Mile Falls, gave $30.

Sheri and J. Kimball Barnard, of Spokane, gave $30.

Deborah Walter, Mary Jett, Nanci and Andrew Slipper, and Jay and Debbie Humphrey, all of Spokane, each gave $25, with the Humphreys noting “in memory of Frank and Vera Romero.”

Dave and Barbara Schmedding, of Spokane Valley, gave $20.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $10.

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