‘Just incredibly generous’: Christmas Bureau meets goal for the first time since raising it to $600,000

The generosity of Spokane-area residents was never in doubt.

In a year when many people struggled with higher prices, particularly at the grocery store, they still dug deep to donate amounts large and small to children and families who needed help at Christmas. For some families, the gifts, books and pajamas received at the Christmas Bureau were the only things their children would receive.

The 79th annual Christmas Bureau goal of $600,000 was met in a fine fashion, with donations received since Christmas Day bringing the total to $639,505.46. It is the first time the higher goal of $600,000 has been met since it was raised in 2022. The highest amount ever donated was $734,383.40 in 2020, when organizers had to scramble at the last minute to provide gift cards to families due to COVID-19 restrictions while the toys and books purchased throughout the year sat in storage.

The Christmas Bureau is a joint effort by Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review to provide grocery store vouchers to families in need, as well as a toy and a book for each child. Monetary donations from the community and in-kind donations from local businesses support the effort entirely.

Christmas Bureau Coordinator Heidi Meany said she’s grateful for the support of the community.

“That’s incredible,” she said of the donation total. “The Spokane and greater Coeur d’Alene community is just incredibly generous.”

The amount raised will help the Bureau as it, too, struggles with higher prices. Tariffs were a concern in buying for the 2025 Bureau and are expected to be a factor in 2026 as well. Collecting more than the goal will help provide a cushion.

“It gives us the resources we need to make our anniversary year even more special and possible,” she said. “It’s going to ensure there will be just as nice a collection of toys as ever.”

Parents, grandparents and guardians who came to this year’s Christmas Bureau spoke repeatedly about how grateful they were for the assistance provided and how it relieved some of their stress. Some had reduced income because a parent lost a job. Work-related injuries forcing time off also created budget issues. And in some cases, paying all the bills was a stretch even with two adults working.

This year, the need was more than last year. The Christmas Bureau provided help for 9,636 households and gifts for 12,693 children. The Bureau distributed $288,840 in grocery store vouchers, with 3,678 of those going to households without children who applied online in October.

Various groups and organizations also donated a record 5,398 pairs of pajamas . Organizers have been pushing pajama drives in recent years in an effort to have enough sets for every child .

Donations

New donations of $40,051.31 were received by Monday, bringing the year-to-date total to $639,505.46, well over the goal of $600,000. Donations received after Monday will be held for the 80th annual Christmas Bureau in 2026.

The Mother Joseph Sisters of Providence, of Renton, donated $5,000. “On behalf of the Sisters of Providence – Mother Joseph, it is my pleasure to send you a check in the amount of $5,000 from our Emilie Gamelin Mission Fund,” wrote provincial council member Jacqueline Fernandes. “We will continue to keep you and your ministry in our prayers.”

Red Diamond Construction, of Spokane Valley, gave $2,500. Diamond Asphalt Paving Inc., of Spokane Valley, also contributed $2,500. Mark Schultz donated $2,500 via PayPal. “S&S Coatings is pleased to present our annual contribution to the Christmas Bureau,” he wrote. “Both Gary and I wish to thank all the volunteers who make things a little easier for those who are in need this time of year. Merry Christmas to all!”

An anonymous donor sent $1,800 via PayPal, writing, “Thank you to all the Christmas Bureau volunteers for making this holiday season a little brighter for those in need. This donation will hopefully help in achieving your goal.”

The Selkirk Crest Wealth Management Group donated $1,500, writing, “As done in years past, rather than giving a token of appreciation to our clients, we are again donating to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund. We thank you for all your efforts putting these funds to work for those families that are less fortunate.”

The letter was signed by Courtney Altringer, Paul Dehmer and Robert Simpson, each of whom contributed $500.

The Matthews Mahoney Donor-Advised Fund at the Innovia Foundation gave $1,000. Bruce and Rebekka Higgins, of Spokane, donated $1,000. James Knight, of Elk, sent $1,000. An anonymous Spokane donor sent $1,000. Sally and Tim Quirk, of Spokane, contributed $1,000. Max Kuney donated $1,000 via PayPal.

Judy Grollmus donated $616.93. Einar and Diane Larson, of Almira, Washington, gave $600. An anonymous donor sent $572.38 via PayPal.

An anonymous Spokane donor sent $500, writing, “Thank you to the Christmas Fund crew for the opportunity to help our own people!” An anonymous Spokane donor gave $500. David and Doreen Forest, of Yuma, Arizona, donated $500. James and Sarah Sledge, of Spokane, contributed $500.

Steve and Theresa Lamp, of Spokane, gave $500. “So glad to be able to contribute to this awesome organization to help out others,” they wrote. “We love volunteering each year, it makes our December.” An anonymous Spokane Valley donor sent $500, writing, “Please accept our check for $500 with the hope it will help brighten the holiday season and provide some joy in the lives of those in need during this special time of year. We thank The Spokesman-Review for providing this fine service to our community.”

Keith and Kathleen MacKenzie, of Spokane, donated $500. Denise Garceau sent $500 via PayPal. Lynn Meyers contributed $500 via PayPal, writing, “Merry Christmas to all. Kudos to Christmas Bureau Coordinator Heidi Meany for her tireless efforts all year long in this important work for our community. Bravo!”

Paul Jalufka donated $500 via PayPal “in honor of Jean Jalufka.” Richard Denenny gave $500 via PayPal “in memory of my son Timmy. Thanks for all you do.” Beth Kenney sent $500 via PayPal. Steve and Peggy Clark contributed $500 via PayPal.

Clayton Dunn, of Spokane, donated $300. Corrine and Dallas Dixon, of Spokane, sent $300. Matthew and Heather Brennan, of Spokane, gave $300. Lindell Haggin donated $300 via PayPal. Victoria Van Inwegen gave $300 via PayPal “in loving memory of Patrick, from Victoria, Alex and Gabriella.” Stephen Stocker sent $300 via PayPal, writing, “May everyone enjoy the blessings of the season. Merry Christmas.”

The South Hill Bunco Babes donated $267. “We South Hill Bunco Babes have enjoyed another year of fun and fellowship,” wrote member Julie Snow. “We are glad to be able to contribute $267 to help those in our community have a happy holiday.”

Christopher and Karen Sherfey, of Spokane, gave $250. Jack and Norma Snead, of Spokane, contributed $250. Edward Coker donated $250 via PayPal “in memory of Gloria J. Coker, by her kids and grandchildren.” Jim and Molly Preston sent $250 via PayPal, writing, “Merry Christmas to all.” Chris Curran gave $250 via PayPal, writing, “Merry Christmas to all!”

Paul and Leslie Turner, of Spokane, donated $200 “in memory of Les Olson and Lorraine Turner. Thank you for your support of those in need!” Dick and Lola Houx Lile, of Spokane, gave $200 “in remembrance of Robert and Ellen Houx and Dorothy R. Powers.” An anonymous Spokane donor sent $200.

Patricia Jensen gave $200 via PayPal “from transplants who love living here! Merry Xmas!” Catherine Dixon, Timothy Halpin, Nancy Sazama, Paul Reamer, Terren Roloff and Valerie Lynch each sent $200 via PayPal.

Robert Crider sent $170 via PayPal. Doll Fitzgerald, of Nine Mile Falls, donated $150. Kelley Opperud gave $150 via PayPal.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $125.

Rich Tschirgi and Sheela Steele, of Spokane, gave $100. Cheryl Tagariello, of Spokane, contributed $100. Janie Slater, of Spokane, also donated $100. Joe and Charri Doeleman, of Spokane, gave $100, writing, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!” Jack and Margaret Mudd, of Spokane, sent $100 as well.

Ron and Jan Erickson, of Spokane, donated $100. An anonymous Spokane donor sent $100, writing, “The volunteers for this wonderful project are my heroes.” Don and Judi Young, of Spokane, gave $100 “from Vicki Victoria, the terrier.” Greg Sweeney, of Spokane, contributed $100. John and Diane Packard, of Spokane, gave $100.

John Miller and Sandy Nolting donated $100 via PayPal. Terry and Holly Norton sent $100 via PayPal, writing, “Thank you for all you do to provide Christmas for so many!” Bob and Carol Vogeler donated $100 via PayPal. “Thank you for the good you provide to our community,” they wrote.

Thomas Bryan, of Spokane, sent $100, writing, “Thank you for all you do!” An anonymous Spokane Valley donor gave $100, writing, “Merry Christmas.” An anonymous donor contributed $100. John Miskulin, of Spokane, donated $100. Thomas and Elaine Pitzer, of Spokane, also gave $100.

Alison Boggs donated $100 via PayPal “in memory of my mom, who would love that every child gets a book.” Jeff Carpenter gave $100 via PayPal, writing, “Wonderful charity!” Charles Gruenenfelder sent $100 via PayPal, writing, “Thank you to the Bureau for its long-standing dedication to serve those in our community who benefit from this important touch of love and generosity.”

Pat Ferrell contributed $100 via PayPal, writing, “Thank you for the work you do to brighten Christmas for those less fortunate in our community.” Wendy Smith donated $100 via PayPal. “Merry Christmas!” she wrote. “In memory of our mom, Marilyn Booth, who passed away 10 years ago on Christmas Eve. We miss you!”

The following people each donated $100 via PayPal: Stephen Patterson, Leisa Moss, Kristin Nester, Carol Thomas, Amy Lutz, Cynthia Brower, Bruce Nyhuls, Robert Seamons and an anonymous donor.

Marsha Hansen, of Spokane, sent $80.

Emily Gordon, of Spokane, donated $75 “to honor Becky Nappi and Tony Wadden.”

Rojean Flory, of Spokane Valley, donated $50. An anonymous Spokane donor gave $50. Will and Ginny Terpening, of Spokane, sent $50. “Thank you for all you do,” they wrote. Dennis and Paula Heimbigner, of Spokane Valley, donated $50, writing, “I’ve long admired the work you do for families in need at Christmas and Christmas is our favorite holiday.”

Marty Fernandez sent $50, writing, “Thank you for all you do and happy holidays.” Scott Huff, of Kingwood, Texas, gave $50. Colleen Davis donated $50 via PayPal “in memory of Shawn Murphy, a wonderful person with a beautiful smile who loved the Christmas holidays!”

Christine Cronin, Tammy Reid, James Falk and Steve Slehofer each contributed $50 via PayPal. An anonymous donor sent $50 via PayPal, writing, “Thanks for all you do!”

Katherine Wooley donated $40 via PayPal.

An anonymous donor sent $25. Jeffrey Horlen donated $25 via PayPal.

An anonymous donor gave $5.