Donations big and small help bureau approach goal

This year’s Christmas Bureau donations ranged from $4 sent by a 9-year-old girl to $35,000 offered by Travis Pattern & Foundry, but it all has added up to a near-goal total.

In time for Christmas, this season’s generous contributors have brought the Christmas Fund on the cusp of its $525,000 goal, just $10,447 shy.

Based on each year’s pattern of more donations arriving shortly after the holiday, and the reliable generosity of Spokane-area residents, the fund has a good shot at making its goal for the 11th year in a row.

As of the cutoff to report for Christmas totals, more than 1,200 businesses, individuals, families and other groups have contributed this season so that more than 27,000 low-income families can have children’s gifts under the tree and a bit extra for a holiday meal.

Each year, organizers set the fundraising goal based on how many families it served the previous year, how much the community donated, and the current costs of toys and books. This year, the bureau helped out 8,142 households. It also gave gifts for 14,683 children and overall served 27,410 people.

As described by Marilee Roloff, CEO of Volunteers of America, the Christmas Bureau does make a difference for the many people struggling during the holidays. She’s worked at the bureau each year since 1985 as an eyewitness to the thousands who come each year to select gifts and books for their children, as well as food vouchers.

“We’re not changing the world,” she said. “We’re giving families a merrier Christmas.”

New donations

Acme Concrete Paving, along with employees David Kappers and Skip and Michele White, of Spokane, gave $5,650.

Huppin’s and its employees, of Spokane, gave $4,664. The letter said, “In a year where neighbors have rallied resources and lent a helping hand to support those suffering at the hand of natural disaster, we are especially thankful to The Spokesman-Review for providing this opportunity to directly aid those in need in our local community.”

Vickerman and Driscoll, of Spokane, gave $1,000.

Charm Stanek, of Spokane, donated $1,000.

Del Michael Jones, of Spokane, gave $1,000 via PayPal.

Voltric Electric Inc., of Spokane, donated $984. “The Voltric Electric Crew has salvaged scrap wire since windstorm 11/17 through 12/22, and the company matched the funds received. We are so grateful to be able to help! Frank, Dianne and the Voltric Crew.”

Hart Capital Management, of Spokane, gave $600.

Einar and Diane Larson, of Almira, Washington, gave $550.

Reamer Family Dentistry, of Spokane Valley, gave $500 via PayPal.

The Wagner Family, of Spokane, gave $500.

Spokane Internal Medicine and Gregory J. Doering MD, of Spokane, gave $500.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $500 via PayPal.

Spokane Production Service Lathrop, of Spokane, gave $500 via PayPal.

An anonymous donor gave $500 “in memory of Pauline Sullivan.”

Mitson Living Trust, of Spokane Valley, gave $400 via PayPal.

Steven Wicks, of Spokane, gave $300 “in dedication of Cutter and Meghan.”

James and Leonette Hiller, of Spokane, gave $250.

Shawna Russell, of Spokane Valley, gave $225 “in memory of Gary McLaughlin who believed all children deserved a Merry Christmas.”

Mr. and Mrs. Rock P. Ray, of Veradale, donated $200, writing “Please accept this donation in memory of my dad Lewis Tibbals and my brother David Tibbals.”

Michael and Rose Lemberger, of Spokane, gave $200. Rose wrote, “In tribute to Bonnie and Brenda, my greeter buddies. Sure wish I could have been with you at this time of the year. The bureau is a very big part of my Christmas tradition. See you all for the 2016 bureau.”

Jack and Norma Snead, of Spokane, gave $200.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $200.

Christopher and Karen Sherfey, of Spokane, gave $150.

An anonymous donor gave $125.

Automated Accounts Inc., of Spokane, contributed $120, writing “The employees at Automated Accounts Inc. are glad to extend a little help to people in more need. The president and owner Scott Millsap generously matched their contributions. Thank you all at Christmas Bureau for the great job you are doing!”

Reg and Sandi Hulbert, of Spokane Valley, gave $100 “in loving memory of Helen Hulbert.”

Spokane donors of $100 are Col. and Mrs. Robert W. Bublitz, an anonymous donor, Leah Brockway, and Guy March.

Noel Munk, of Puyallup, Washington, gave $100 via PayPal.

Jerry Anderson, of Medical Lake, gave $100 via PayPal.

Larry and Dian Rood, of Colville, gave $100, saying “Thank you for all you do for the families of Spokane, and thank all the volunteers for the time they put in every year.”

John Miller and Sandy Nolting gave $100.

George and Christina Riebe, of Spokane, gave $50.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $50.

Carol and Frederic Rettenmund, of Spokane, gave $50.

Katherine Wooley, of Spokane, gave $50 “in Larry Reuthinger’s name.”

Marilyn Lloyd, of Spokane, gave $25 via PayPal.

Gary Graham contributed $25 cash.

Tom Clement, of Spokane, gave $20.

An anonymous donor gave $15.

An anonymous donor gave $10 cash.

An anonymous donor gave $2.