Travis Pattern and Foundry gives $35,000 to Christmas Bureau, but fund still short of goal

After serving thousands of low-income families since Dec. 10, the Christmas Bureau hands out its last toys and books for children today.

During the bureau’s early sessions, an average of about 1,000 households per day went through the front doors. Those numbers tapered off some when winter storms brought snow, but the pace has kept steady.

Another constant comes in the repeated echoes of “thank-you” around the bureau, as volunteers guided recipients around to receive food vouchers, toy and books. Whether among moms surveying gifts or families signing up for library cards, smiles were frequent too.

“The bureau has gone well; it’s really turned into a well-oiled machine, so that makes it a good experience for people,” said Rob McCann, Catholic Charities executive director. “I don’t think anyone has waited more than 35 minutes.”

With today’s last goodbyes, volunteers will move any leftover toys and books into storage for next year, but organizers are far from done for the season. They’re still awaiting arrival of funds toward the bureau’s fund-raising goal this year of $525,000.

The fund is closing in on $335,000, so there’s a long way to go.

Spokane-area donors have remained faithful as always. The last time the bureau fell short of its goal was in 2004. So gratitude goes out to all contributors, big and small, whether they’ve already given or still plan to send or drop off a check between now and noon Wednesday, the cutoff time to make the list of donations reported on Christmas morning.

Contributions ensure that more than 15,700 children receive books and toys for Christmas.

New donations

Travis Pattern and Foundry Inc., of Spokane, gave $35,000 as an annual tradition of giving the funds they might have spent on a Christmas party.

“We hope we can help make Christmas a little brighter for some Spokane families,” wrote president Travis Garske.

Justus Bag in Spokane Valley sent $5,000 in memory of founder, Roland ‘Curly’ Justus. Darin Justus wrote, “If my grandfather were here with us today, his heart would be broken from the devastation from the recent storm that passed through out area. His heart would also be aching for those who are homeless and all who are ‘hoping’ for a Christmas season full of at least a blessing, whether that be a warm meal, gifts, or just being able to spend time with family. My grandfather is a hero of mine … he always put people’s needs above his own. I can still see the smile on my grandfather’s face as he was able to give or to help those in need. Pa Pa Curly absolutely defined unselfishness while he was here and, even today, he is smiling down with tears of joy as we give in his honor again this year.”

Kimmel Athletic Supply Co. employees, of Spokane, donated $3,000. Their letter said the recent windstorm gave all a reminder of what it’s like to live without simple comforts such a heat, electricity to light our way and home cooking. “The storm didn’t blow us apart, it brought us together. Sometimes it takes going without to remind us how fortunate we really are…Christmas is a great time to share. Helping local families with food, books and toys allows us to share with others.”

JMA Commercial Real Estate LLC, of Spokane Valley, gave $2,000.

Colvico Inc., of Spokane, gave $2,000.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $1,000.

Keith and Kathleen MacKenzie, of Spokane, gave $500.

Mark and Valerie Sonderen, of Spokane, donated $500.

Larry and Jeanne Leach with Don and Janise Leach, of Spokane, sent $500 “in loving memory of our mother who was a faithful contributor to this Christmas Fund: Helen Clark from her sons and families.

Robert and Claudia Jones, of Kettle Falls, donated $500.

Dan and Whitney Stowe, of Spokane, gave $500 via PayPal.

Wilbur Yates, of Spokane, gave $425.

Larry and Joanna Kiewert, of Deer Park, gave $400.

Fred Clark, of Chattaroy, gave $400.

Spokane Urology gave $390 “from Spokane Urology employees as a donation from the physicians of Spokane Urology.”

Dan and Peggy Jeremiah, of Spokane Valley, gave $300, writing “hope this helps so every kids can enjoy the holiday.”

Ted and Winnie Allen, of Spokane, gave $300 “in memory of Michi Kazanis who remembered all of us at Christmas.”

The Dinneen, of Spokane, gave $300.

Robert and Dorothy Putz, of Spokane, gave $300.

Benjamin Bucklin, of Spokane, gave $300 via PayPal.

Del and Ruth Mattix, of Veradale, gave $250. “Thank you for the support of the needy citizens of Spokane. It will help make the recipients a better merry Christmas, and thank you all the volunteers.”

Richard and Angela Young of Spokane $250.

George LeBlanc, of Moses Lake, gave $250 via PayPal.

Rebecca Templin, of Spokane, and Les Whitbeck, of Liberty Lake, each gave $200 via PayPal.

Janet Breedlove gave $100 via PayPal.

Scott Warnica gave $25 via PayPal on behalf of 10-year-old Noah Warnica, who wrote “I hope this helps bring in more gifts for the people who need them.”