Donors push Christmas Fund close to goal

It’s Christmas Day and the outstanding Christmas Bureau donors have come through in a big way. New donations of $89,152.12 have brought the year-to-date total to $497,765.71 – within reach of the goal of $535,000.

Today 15,036 children will wake up to a new toy and a book provided by the Christmas Bureau, and the food vouchers given to each family will provide for a nice meal at the table.

The children who receive these gifts often don’t know they come from the Christmas Bureau or that they were provided by their generous neighbors. All they know is that despite what other difficult things may be going on in their lives, they had presents on Christmas. Their parents and guardians, however, know where the gifts came from and are grateful that people cared enough to help during the holiday season.

There’s still a little more to go to reach the final goal of $535,000 to pay for everything that has been given away. PayPal donations must be received by Thursday to allow time for processing. All cash and check donations must be received in The Spokesman-Review offices by Monday. Any donations that come in after those dates will be set aside for the 2020 Christmas Bureau.

Look for a final story on New Year’s Day with a report on the total donations received and whether the goal was achieved. With your help, it can be done. Make it so!

Donations

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $20,000, writing “Happy holidays. Thanks to all who make this event possible every year.”

The Duke and Ruth Fette Trust, of Davenport, Washington, donated $10,000.

Huppin’s donated $4,530. “The owners and employees of Huppin’s TV, Audio, Cameras and More and OneCall.com (our online division) are thankful to be able to help make this holiday season a bit brighter for all of us,” wrote President Murray Huppin. “Our most sincere thank you to The Spokesman-Review for sponsoring this drive. By providing a framework for recipients, donor and volunteers to come together, the newspaper truly helps us all build a better community. We are privileged to participate.”

An anonymous Spokane Valley donor gave $5,000, writing “Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas and a wonderful new year in 2020.” Dupree Building Specialties sent $3,000. Thomas Kasson, of Spokane, gave $2,500. Jean Moore donated $1,750 via PayPal.

Vickerman and Driscoll donated $1,000. Michael Senske, of Spokane, sent $1,000 via PayPal. Wagstaff Inc. gave $1,000. Sandra Flatt, of Spokane, contributed $1,000 via PayPal, as did Michael Moloney, of Spokane.

An anonymous Spokane Valley donor contributed $750 via PayPal, writing “We are thankful for the ability to help others during this season of joy.”

The South Hill Bunco Babes gave $644.12. “The women of the South Hill Bunco Babes gather monthly for fun and fellowship,” wrote member Julie Snow. “We appreciate the service your fund provides for the people in our community and are glad to contribute $644.12 this year. We treasure our time together and send a Merry Christmas to your volunteers and the people you serve.”

The Meighan family of Spokane donated $600 via PayPal. George Sullivan, of Colbert, sent $600 via PayPal.

Martha and Kenneth Fleming, of Spokane, donated $500. “Our family decided to forgo gift exchanges and use the money to help with the Christmas Fund,” they wrote. “We are all so blessed and want to pass those blessings on to those who need it.” Donald Moore, of Spokane, gave $500. Carole Jones, of Spokane, sent $500 “in memory of my husband Barry. Thank you for all you do.”

An anonymous Coeur d’Alene donor gave $500, writing “Thank you for all you do! Buy books, books, books!” Tom Bauer, of Spokane, contributed $500. Susan Hamer sent $500 via PayPal. Reamer Family Dentistry, of Spokane Valley, donated $500. Frederick and Sharon Clark, of Chattaroy, gave $500. Kerry McFadden donated $500. An anonymous donor sent $500.

The Scott and Vicki Jones Donor Advised Fund, managed by the Innovia Foundation, donated $500. Paul Jalufka, of Woodbridge, Virginia, sent $500 via PayPal. “Donation in the name of Jean Jalufka,” he wrote. Spokane Production Service gave $500. Gary Marks, of Spokane, donated $500 via PayPal, as did Timothy Swaney, of Spokane.

An anonymous donor from Deer Meadows, Washington, sent $500, writing “Thanks to all the volunteers – God bless them!” An anonymous Spokane donor contributed $500. Wilbur Yates, of Spokane, donated $500.

An anonymous Spokane donor sent $500, writing “Christmas blessings to everyone! What a privilege to bring some joy and hope to others. Thank you for making this possible.” Jeff Sitton contributed $500 via PayPal. June Williams, of Spokane Valley, gave $500, as did Mark Wagner, of Spokane.

The Hook family, of Spokane, donated $500 “in memory of Shirley and LeRoy Hook and Ione Johnson and (son) Robert Johnson. These parents, grandparents, brother and uncle were great memories and guidance for our family.” Ryan Baddeley sent $500 via PayPal.

Bill and Dorene Reynolds, of Spokane, donated $500 “in loving memory of Ed and Dorothy Humes and Iris Westwood.” Don and Mariann Heinemann, of Spokane Valley, sent $500. Iron Bridge III LLC donated $500.

R. and T. Mazzie, of Spokane Valley, sent $400.

Thomas Morrow, of Veradale, donated $300, as did Dennis Hughes of Deer Park. Linda Martin, of Spokane, gave $300. An anonymous Veradale donor sent $300, writing, “Thank you to all staff and volunteers for this amazing tradition. Merry Christmas to all!” Beverly and James Johnson, of Spokane, contributed $300.

An anonymous Spokane donor sent $300 via PayPal, writing “100% for books.” Amy Flowers, of Kirkland, Washington, gave $300 via PayPal. “Thank you to all the volunteers who help others through this amazing program,” she wrote. “And thank you to my parents, Bend and Judy Flowers, who are great examples to me personally of the importance of serving others. Merry Christmas.”

The Neal and Joann Skaufel family donated $252 “in loving memory of Elle’ and Bella.”

Paul and Leslie Turner, of Spokane, donated $250. “In memory of Lorraine Turner and Les Olson, please accept this donation for the wonderful work of the Christmas Bureau and all the volunteers that make it possible,” they wrote. Sharon Fairchild, of Liberty Lake, gave $250.

Dennis Dowling, of Rosalia, Washington, donated $250 “in memory of my mother, Marie, and brother, David.” An anonymous donor gave $250. David McCabe, of Greenacres, sent $250 via PayPal. “In memory of Mary Anne McCabe,” he wrote. “We love and miss you mom!”

Chuck and Kathleen Teegarden, of Spokane, gave $250. “Holiday memories of Dan Sullivan,” they wrote. Donald Gale Jr., of Spokane, sent $250. Michael Henneberry contributed $250 via PayPal. “Thank you for making Christmas brighter for Spokane families,” he wrote.

Thomas Beil sent $250 via PayPal. Helen Duchow donated $250. Bruce Howard, of Spokane, gave $250 via PayPal, as did Stephen Johnson, of Spokane. James Braukmann donated $250 via PayPal.

The employees of School Support Services of Spokane Public Schools donated $246. “While we take pride in supporting public education in Spokane on a daily basis, it is with glad hearts that we also support this very worthy endeavor within our community,” said an enclosed letter. “Your efforts to bring a ray of happiness to others each Christmas is a tremendous opportunity for our community to come together and help our neighbors.”

Bob and Lola Weldin gave $200 in memory of people who have passed away in their breakfast group: Andy and Alice Berg, Bill Hale, Otto Schumaker and Mary Anna Bryan. “They are greatly missed,” they wrote. Jo Anne Granger, of Colbert, donated $200, as did Donald and Eleanor Limmer, of Liberty Lake.

Joe and Carolyn Schauble, of Spokane, donated $200 “in memory of our parents: Robert and Mary Schauble and Carl and Edna Magee. Thanks for all that you do to help the needy with the Christmas Fund.” Gary Livingston, of Spokane, gave $200 via PayPal. E. Krauss, of Spokane, sent $200.

Patricia Meyers, of Spokane, gave $200. “I’m a former 20-year Spokesman carrier,” she wrote. “I am grateful for the many dedicated people who serve the less fortunate in our area and all the donations to make this possible. Hats off to everyone. Merry Christmas to everyone – blessings in the new year. Hope the goal is reached.”

Wayne Bass, of Liberty Lake, donated $200. “Please accept this donation in loving memory of my beautiful lady, Kathryn Sharp,” he wrote. “For many years the Christmas Fund has been a tradition both she and I feel great joy in being a small part of.” Shirley Dicus, of Spokane, sent $200 via PayPal “in remembrance of Treva Perrewe.” An anonymous Spokane donor sent $200.

Eileen Hargrove, of Spokane, gave $200. Ray and Klea Copeland, of Spokane, donated $200. “Thanks for all you do for this worthwhile project,” they wrote. “Merry Christmas.” James Knapp gave $200 via PayPal. Charles Carver, of Medical Lake, sent $200 “in memory of my parents, Elmer and Irma, and brothers, John and Andy.”

An anonymous Spokane donor sent $200, writing “Thank you for all your hard work towards supporting the Christmas Bureau.” Lola and Richard Lile, of Spokane, donated $200 “in memory of Robert and Ellen Houx and in honor of Dorothy R. Powers, whose Christmas Fund columns moved our family to give each year.”

An anonymous donor gave $200 “in memory of Robert ‘El Biggo’ Switzer.” An anonymous donor sent $200 in memory of Donald G. Miller, writing, “This is being given in remembrance of our Dad, who was orphaned at a young age and experienced Christmases without gifts.”

Bonnie Nelson, of Spokane, contributed $200. “Blessings to everyone that works so hard to do this wonderful work for the less fortunate among us,” she wrote. “This is in memory of my late husband, Bud Nelson.” Vincent Cherel and Mary Meier each gave $200 via PayPal.

William Barber, of Spokane, gave $150. An anonymous Spokane donor sent $150, writing “Thanks for all your help! Hope you all have a great Christmas!” Michael Hansen, of Spokane, sent $150. Jeffrey Owen contributed $150 via PayPal. An anonymous Spokane Valley donor gave $150, writing “Thanks for all the blessings you provide to our community. Enclosed is a small gift.”

Hope and Gary Roszell, of Spokane, contributed $150. Heather Brennan, of Spokane, gave $150 via PayPal. Curt and Sheila Schillinger, of Spokane Valley, donated $150. “God bless you for all the hard work you do!” they wrote. Dance Center of Spokane gave $150. Darlene Newman, of Spokane, sent $150 “from Nate Newman, Nicholas Newman and Nolan Newman and their families.”

The Still Searching Book Club contributed a combined $128 from Beverlee Witham, Jack and Shirly Vines and Raymond and Caryl Lawton. “When we read of your loss of a major sponsor for purchasing children’s books, my book club wanted to help,” they wrote. “We are a small group, but are sending a donation and a challenge to all other area book clubs to join us in supporting your wonderful mission of getting books into the hands of children. Many of our group are educators and share the goal of literacy for all and want to give children a start on a lifetime of enjoyment of reading. Thanks for all you do for struggling families in the Spokane area!”

Jim and Carol Kershner, of Spokane, donated $125 via PayPal. James and Teri Morrison, of Mead, sent $125. Ann Shaw gave $125 via PayPal. Douglas Jayne donated $110 via PayPal.

JoAnn and David Savage, of Mead, donated $100. “Thank you for all the wonderful work you do and the love you share with our community!” they wrote. Bill and Sandra Dodge, of Spokane, gave $100. “Please accept this on behalf of our children, Ross and Jonathan, and our grandchildren, Charlotte, Yohannan and Ronan. Thank you for all you do.” Terry and Thomas Nakano, of Spokane, contributed $100 in memory of Jim Nakano.

James and Lisa Northcott, of Spokane, sent $100. “Please accept this donation to your Christmas Fund in memory of our son Andrew,” they wrote. “Thank you for all you do.” Bill and Patti Howard, of Liberty Lake, gave $100. Daryl and Marlene Zeis, of Spokane Valley, donated $100, as did Patrick and Janine Maggart, of Spokane.

Six anonymous Spokane donors each gave $100. Jon and Arlene Gordon, of LaCrosse, Washington, contributed $100. “Merry Christmas!” they wrote. James Kearney, of Greenacres, donated $100, as did Linda and Gary Faire, of Spokane Valley. Heidi Clarke, of Spokane, gave $100. Deborah Seagle, of Spokane, contributed $100, as did Richard and Maria Newcomb, of Spokane Valley.

The following donors each gave $100 via PayPal: Jeff Stevens, of Spokane; Donald Driscoll; Jennifer Michaels, of Deer Park; Jeff Ellingson; Jennifer Roseman; Ashley Jones; Stephanie Klein, of Spokane; Leslie Gourley; Timothy Halpin; Julie Ohlund; Sharen Binette; Lawrence Luton; and David and Pam Sani, of Spokane.

Bill and Marilyn Thordarson donated $100. “We are privileged to live in a city that deeply cares for those in need,” they wrote. “Our gratitude goes out to the Spokesman, Volunteers of America, Catholic Charities and the hundreds of volunteers who have made the Christmas Bureau possible!”

Jerry Anderson sent $100 via PayPal. “Just want to help needy people have a nice Christmas,” he wrote. Jack and Kathy Ossello, of Spokane, gave $100 “in honor of Kathy Lackie’s birthday.” Tom and Mitch Solberg, of Spokane, donated $100 “in honor of our parents.” Patricia Fulgaro, of Spokane, donated $100. “Merry Christmas from the Fulgaro family!” she wrote.

The following donors each contributed $100: Russ and Leanne Brown, of Medical Lake; Thomas and Elizabeth Swanson, of Spokane; John Miller and Sandra Nolting; Harvey and Diane Morrison, of Spokane; John and Terri-Ann Nystrom, of Liberty Lake; Paul and Peggy Smart, of Spokane Valley; Mary Lee Gaston, of Spokane; Donald and Diana Storey, of Spokane; and John and Kathleen Roche, of Liberty Lake.

Janet Walker and Kathleen Hull, of Colbert, sent $100, as did Patrick and Laurie Thiel, of Spokane Valley. Robert and Angie Richard, of Spokane, contributed $100. Elaine McDaniel, of Spokane, gave $100. An anonymous Spokane Valley donor sent $100. Madeline Kardong, of Spokane, donated $100.

Judith Flowers, of Spokane, gave $100 via PayPal. “Help for those less fortunate in memory of our longtime friend, J. Robert Durgan,” she wrote.

Gary and Leanne Brosius, of Veradale, contributed $100. “Merry Christmas,” they wrote. “Keep up the great work!” George and Michelene Weisbarth, of Newport, Washington, sent $100. “We are happy to be able to contribute to the Christmas Fund again this year,” they wrote.

Teri and Paddy Inman, of Mead, gave $100. “We look forward to the Christmas Bureau every year – the heartwarming stories in the newspaper and especially seeing the joy it brings to so many families and children in Spokane,” they wrote. An anonymous donor from Blanchard, Idaho, donated $100, writing “Enjoy the Roaring Twenties. I know I did last time!”

An anonymous Spokane donor contributed $100, writing “Thank you for all you do! In honor of my late husband, who would have been 100 this week and so loved Christmas.” Deloris Christopher donated $100. “Thank you to all the volunteers that are doing work that I once did,” she wrote. Bob G. gave $100.

Beverly Austin, of Spokane, sent $100. “Please accept this donation in honor of my mother, Jan, and my grandmother, Jenny, who made Christmas special for others in need,” she wrote. Melissa Newbill, of Spokane, gave $100 via PayPal. “In memory of my niece, Kate Campbell, who brought so much joy and happiness to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” she wrote.

An anonymous Spokane donor gave $100, writing “Thank you to all the volunteers who help make this the best Christmas present for the community.”

Virginia and Craig Pearsall, of Spokane, sent $75. “Christmas is about giving and helping others in need,” they wrote. “Thank you for all that you do to help those in need. Have a very merry Christmas.” Loyce Lewis, of Spokane, gave $75. Frederick and Kristen Jessett, of Spokane, donated $75. An anonymous donor sent $75 via PayPal.

Marsha Hansen, of Spokane, gave $60.

Two anonymous Spokane donors each gave $50. John and Jami Koehn sent $50, as did Marilyn Anderson, of Spokane. Colleen Warner, of Spokane, contributed $50, as did Laura and Larry Isaak, of Deer Park. Carmen Schriock, of Spokane, donated $50. Miranda Tarpley, of Spokane Valley, sent $50 via PayPal. An anonymous donor sent $50.

Lauren, age 7, gave $50. Steve and Eleanor Hasner, of Greenacres, gave $50, as did Steve and Chris Harris, of Newman Lake. Scott, Lisa and Madeline Ray, of Spokane Valley, contributed $50 via PayPal. “Merry Christmas,” they wrote. Amy and John Coriell, of Cheney, sent $50. Lorelee Bauer and Doug Counsell contributed $50. Richard and Susan Matthews, of Spokane, donated $50.

Spokane Chapter 163 of the Order of the Eastern Star gave $50. “Our mission states that the members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated men and women who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good,” wrote secretary Betty Hughes. “It gives them the opportunity to give a part of their time to many projects that benefit mankind. We are happy to be able to send this donation and would like it to be used for the children’s books section of the Christmas Fund.”

Karen Merritt, of Spokane, donated $50 “in memory of my husband, D.J. Merritt. He loved Christmas and always donated to the Christmas Fund.” Myrna Schimmels, of Spokane Valley, gave $50. Mary Hahn, of Spokane, contributed $50. Jane Courtright, of Spokane, sent $50. “Thank you for helping people in need,” she wrote. Gordon Goodban, of Coeur d’Alene, gave $50 via PayPal, as did Jane Fields, of Deer Park.

V.D. Bergstrom, of Rockford, gave $50, as did Mary Peer, of Spokane. Emily Gordon, of Spokane, sent $50. “This gift is to honor Becky Nappi and Tony Wadden,” she wrote. An anonymous Spokane donor contributed $50. Linda and Pat Smith, of Spokane, donated $50. “This is a wonderful thing you do for our community,” they wrote. “Thank you and Merry Christmas.” Katherine Wooley donated $50 via PayPal.

Muriel Cleveland, of Mead, contributed $40. “Remember Jesus is the reason for the season,” she wrote. Michael Johns, of Spokane, gave $40 via PayPal. “Merry Christmas,” he wrote.

Judith Schoepflin, of Spokane, donated $35. The Thompsons, of Rathdrum sent $35. Rebecca Wasley gave $30.

Randy and Betty Williams donated $25. Chris and Ted Biek, of Spokane Valley, gave $25 “on behalf of Brigid Krause, Christmas Bureau volunteer coordinator.” Janice Simmons, of Spokane, sent $25. Barry Newberry, of Spokane, gave $25. Roger and Pat French, of Spokane Valley, sent $25, as did Thomas Armitage, of Spokane.

Bob Himes and Cathy Reynolds, of Spokane, contributed $25. Doug Lloyd, of Spokane, sent $25. Ed and Pauline Carlson donated $25. Frank Vandyne sent $25 via PayPal.

“Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year,” they wrote. Jane Black, of Spokane, gave $25 via PayPal. Sharon Larson, of Spokane, gave $25. Glenn and Janet Gannon, of Spokane Valley, donated $25.

Spokane resident Leo Phelps, age 7, donated $20. Leila Larson, of Spokane, gave $20, as did Mike and Liz McGarr, of Spokane. An anonymous donor sent $20. Lois Merrill, of Cheney, donated $15.

An anonymous donor gave $10, writing “Hope this helps a little bit.”