Christmas Bureau organizers already planning for next year; donations still needed

The Christmas Bureau is closed, with toys and books successfully given out to thousands of children who will wake up Christmas morning with a present. There’s still money to raise to meet the goal of $535,000 to pay for everything, but organizers are already making plans on how to make everything better next year.

The lines moved more quickly this year, after more intake computer stations were added, Christmas Bureau coordinator Sierra Heinen said. “Our goal is to have even more computer stations next year.”

Overall, things seemed to go fairly smoothly, with volunteers helping 27,548 people in 7,973 households during the nine days the bureau was open.

“The weather helped,” Heinen said. “We’re constantly trying to make this more efficient and easier for people.”

Heinen works for Catholic Charities, which runs the Christmas Bureau along with the Volunteers of America. Heinen said she will be looking for donations of used laptops and computer chairs in the summer, perhaps from a company that has just upgraded its computers and needs to get rid of old ones.

She’s grateful for local businesses that provide in-kind donations as well as the donors and volunteers who make the whole thing possible every year. “Personally, from the depth of my heart, I want to thank everyone,” she said. “It takes a village.”

Heinen said she’d like to hear from people and businesses that might have an idea for a service to offer or expand for next year’s Christmas Bureau. That includes any group that might want to start a pajama drive. Right now, pajama drives are organized by Providence Health Care, St. John Vianney Catholic School and St. Mary’s Catholic School. Pajamas are hugely popular with parents, and while the number of pajamas donated has been increasing, there is not enough for every child to get a pair.

“Now is the time to plan,” Heinen said.

Anyone interested in planning a pajama drive or who has other ideas can contact Heinen via email at christmasbureau@cceasternwa.org.

Donations

Spokane’s generous donors have tipped the amount raised to above $400,000, with new donations of $39,876 bringing the year-to-date total to $408,606.59. The amount needed to pay for the food vouchers, toys and books handed out at the bureau is $535,000. For those who haven’t had a chance to donate, there’s still time.

Garco Construction donated $25,000. “As we look forward to 2020, we at Garco Construction want to take the time to thank our Spokane community that has been responsible for much of our success,” company President Clancy Welsh wrote. “Enclosed is Garco’s contribution of $25,000, which included $8,900 of direct contribution from our employees, to the Christmas Fund to assist the less fortunate in our community.

“Our team at Garco would like to thank The Spokesman-Review, Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and all the volunteers that continue to make the Christmas Fund such a vital part of the holiday experience here in Spokane. From all of us at Garco we would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season and a Happy New Year!”

Avista Utilities sent $3,000. “On behalf of the employees at Avista, it is my honor to enclose a donation of $3,000 to the 2019 Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund,” CEO Dennis Vermillion wrote. “Each year during the holidays, we come together as a community to make sure that families can celebrate with the warmth and joy of food and gifts. The fund brings together a wonderful partnership of community resources and volunteers that truly exemplifies the spirit of the season.

“We are all fortunate to live in a region that cares for families, children and our more vulnerable neighbors who are in need of a helping hand. Many thanks to you and The Spokesman-Review for your continued commitment to this holiday tradition of helping others.”

The Downtown Rotary gave $2,500. “In response to Nina Culver’s SR story of Dec. 10, the Civic Affairs Committee of the Downtown Rotary donated $2,500 to help VOA pay for books that are given out at the Christmas Bureau,” Dave Troyke wrote.

The Association of Retired Avista Employees donated $1,124. Thomas and Teresa Crandall donated $1,000. Tipke Manufacturing of Spokane sent $1,000.

An anonymous donor gave $500. Paul and Sue Kennedy sent $500. Jim and Judy Reed of Spokane contributed $500. “Keep up the good work,” they wrote. “Merry Christmas.” Linda Solan gave $500.

Elaine Vandervert of Chattaroy donated $300. “Thank you for all you do to make this season kinder and easier for those in need,” she wrote. Robert and Susan White gave $300. Rob and Laurie Sargent of Spokane sent $300. “Please accept this donation in memory of Rick and Joan Haynes,” they wrote.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $300, writing, “We appreciate this fund that you provide for our community and the volunteers who give so selflessly for their time. Thank you so much!”

Luis Castilla of Spokane Valley sent $270 via PayPal “from the Castilla, Reynolds and Loper family.” John and Sherry Gaiser of Spokane gave $210. Mark and Kathy Casey sent $200. An anonymous donor contributed $200. Frank Neeri donated $200 via PayPal, as did Barb Shaub.

Lloyd and Joye Gill of Spokane contributed $160. “Peace and goodwill to all the Earth,” they wrote. Charles Horgan and Andrea Sharps of Spokane donated $125.

Shirley Schatz of Spokane donated $100 “in loving memory of my husband Gene and daughter, Karen Dunning.” Andrew Caster sent $100, as did Marsha and Mike Dunford. An anonymous Loon Lake donor contributed $100. Joe and Charri Doeleman of Spokane donated $100. “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the great people involved with the Christmas Bureau,” they wrote.

Two anonymous donors each gave $100. Kenneth and Helen Evans of Spokane contributed $100. Irma and Muriel Cleveland donated $100. Barbara and Charles Hinzman gave $100. Theodore Ketcham of Spokane contributed $100 via PayPal, as did Roger Watkins.

An anonymous Spokane Valley donor sent $87. Carol Phelps of Spokane donated $75.

An anonymous Newman Lake donor gave $50, writing, “Thank you for running the Christmas Fund. Great job!” Sandra Mueller of Spokane Valley contributed $50. Jeffrey Horlen of Spokane donated $25 via PayPal.