Donors get 2015 Christmas Fund off to a good start

Most years, the Christmas Fund makes its goal. A few times, it hasn’t.

Last year, for example, the fund hadn’t reached its goal of $525,000 by Christmas Day, falling some $15,000 short. In the waning days of the year, 68 new donors stepped forward to bring the total to $531,164.12.

That also meant a 10th year in a row of reaching or surpassing needed funding.

Since then, other donations have trickled in, so far totaling just over $20,000 and giving a head start to this year’s Christmas Fund goal of $525,000.

Among the first batch of contributions so far for this year, several people gave to honor longtime Christmas Bureau volunteer Daniel P. Sullivan, who died Jan. 10.

Other donors contributed as a tradition of support each year, including the Klaue Family Foundation, of Spokane, which gave $5,000.

“The Foundation is once again blessed to be able to contribute to the Christmas Fund. We are very thankful we are able to continue to contribute and be a part of a program that brings joy, brightness and many blessings to the families and organizations in need,” David Klaue wrote. “The spirit and generosity of the Spokane community has helped many families experience the true meaning of Christmas. The benevolent providence and gift of giving back to assist those less fortunate, especially in these unprecedented economic times, is very rewarding.”

Organized by Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review, the Christmas Bureau enables low-income families to select one present and one book for each child up to age 14. Families also receive a $15 to $30 voucher, depending on family size, to buy ingredients for a holiday meal.

Backed by about 400 volunteers, the bureau opens Dec. 10 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center and runs through Dec. 19, excluding Sunday.

Generous donors make it all happen, with any amount appreciated. Donations and some of the accompanying notes are reported in daily stories after they’ve been processed.

Some of the donations received during the past year include the following:

Guy and Ruth Reed Memorial Fund, of Spokane, gave $2,108 via the Inland Northwest Community Foundation.

Rick Betts, of Spokane, gave four donations totaling $2,291.82 via Spokane County United Way.

Ellen Higgins gave $500 via PayPal.

Barbara Augusta Gift Fund gave $200 via the Schwab Charitable Fund in Spokane.

Paul Giordanella gave $200 as a matching gift check via Stanley Black and Decker.

Robert and Deborah Davis, of Greenacres, gave $100.

John and Suzanne Nevers, of Spokane, gave $100 with a note, “Please accept this memorial donation in honor of Daniel P. Sullivan, who passed away Jan. 10, 2015.”

Richards, Merrill & Peterson of Spokane gave $100, with the message, “This check was sent in Daniel Sullivan’s honor. He was a volunteer at the Christmas Bureau for many years.”

An anonymous donor in Spokane gave $100 in memory of Shirley Rogers, with a note: “We’re so happy to support this wonderful community project. God bless … and Merry Christmas to everyone!”

James P. Connelly, of Spokane, gave $100.

An anonymous donor in Cheney gave $50, in memory of Francis Risdon.

Susan Sager and Joyce Milesnick of McMinnville, Ore., gave $50 in honor of Daniel Sullivan.

Jennifer L. Martinez, of Steilacoom, Wash., gave $50.

Julie Silliman gave $50 via PayPal.

Karen Hanson gave $40 via PayPal.

Pearl and Gerald Hansen, of Spokane Valley, gave $25. Their note said, “As has been our practice for many years, we are enclosing a small check for the Christmas Bureau. God bless all of you who make Christmas happy for so many people. Wish it could be more.”

Ryan Roslak gave $25 via PayPal.

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