On Christmas Day, 13,800 children woke up with a book and a toy waiting for them. These gifts have been carefully selected for them by a parent, grandparent or guardian from the Christmas office, which is generously funded by residents of the Spokane area.

Every year for 76 years, the Office has helped families in need at Christmas. And for all of those 76 years, the effort has been funded by everyone from business owners to fixed income retirees.

The Christmas Office has many donors who give generously and faithfully, sending thousands of dollars year after year. But just as important are the smaller gifts that come from the neighbor down the street, the kid who sends money to his piggy bank, and those who give with what little they have.

The effort is also supported by carpenters who carve and decorate wooden cars and trucks for the Christmas office, hockey fans who throw thousands of stuffed animals on the ice during the annual Spokane Chiefs Teddy contest. Bear Toss, students at Central Valley High School who are organizing a teddy bear on their own, students at St. Mary’s Catholic School and St. John Vianney Catholic School who collect pajamas, and group employees Providence hospitals which also collect pajamas. All of these extras, which usually run out quickly, also go to the home for children in need.

The goal of the Christmas Office is to provide a little extra for the kitchen table in the form of a grocery voucher, as well as gifts for each child. Every year, families talk about job losses, health problems and other circumstances that make their children unable to celebrate Christmas without the Christmas office. Soaring rents and rising daycare costs have also added to the pressure this year.

The Christmas Office is a collaboration between Catholic Charities, Volunteers of America and The Spokesman-Review. After being forced to go virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office was able to be an in-person event this year. It expanded into a larger building at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, allowing more space for volunteers and beneficiaries.

The goal this year was to raise $ 535,000 to pay for grocery coupons, toys and books. The goal has already been achieved thanks to the many donors who have contributed; donations will continue to be accepted in person and by mail until Wednesday. Donations made through PayPal must be completed on Sunday to allow time for processing.

Buyers of the Bureau’s toys and books typically start shopping in January, and they’re already anticipating problems due to lingering supply chain issues and sharply rising shipping costs, so the extra money raised. compared to the target amount will be put to good use.

Donations

New donations of $ 10,210.03 brought the cumulative total to $ 570,284.22.

An anonymous donor sent in $ 2,250, writing “I am always grateful for the work you do to make Christmas a merry one for many children in Spokane!” “

Dave and JoAnn Barber, from Spokane, donated $ 1,500.

Garco Construction, which has already donated $ 45,000 this year, sent an additional $ 1,250 in donations from six of its employees: Ronald and Nicole Skinner, of Veradale ($ 100); Deborah Seagle, from Spokane ($ 100); Thomas Morrow, of Veradale ($ 200); Jason Lueck, of Silverdale, Wash., ($ 100); Michael Hansen, of Spokane ($ 350); and R. and T. Mazzie, of Spokane Valley ($ 400).

An anonymous donor from Spokane donated $ 1,000. BMT Metal Fabrication, of Airway Heights, donated $ 1,000.

Diane and Einar Larson, from Almira, Wash. Sent $ 435.

Bob and Sharon Mellis, from Spokane, donated $ 300. Lois Richards, of Spokane, gave $ 300 on top of the $ 200 she gave earlier this month. “I see the Christmas Bureau is running out of funds raised this year to buy next year’s toys,” she wrote. “Under the circumstances, I am sending you a second donation. Sorry I can’t do more. Hope you get a flood of new donations and surpass previous years’ totals! Anyway, Merry Christmas and thank you for all you do to make the Office such an amazing and successful effort that benefits so many children and families here every year.

Tom and Sue Eastman, of Spokane Valley, sent $ 250. Richard Chan, from Spokane Valley, contributed $ 250.

Jerry and Julie Hoseid, from Spokane, sent in $ 200. Roland and Cindi John, from Spokane, donated $ 200. “In the spirit of Christmas, we would like to contribute so that others can have a happier holiday,” they wrote. “Thanks for all you’ve done.” Dixie Riddle, from Spokane, sent in $ 200. Connie Brunell of Nine Mile Falls sent $ 200 in memory of Scott Brunell.

Mr. and Mrs. William Hennessey, of Spokane, donated $ 150. David and Cindy Heitstuman of Spokane Valley donated $ 150 “in memory of those we have lost this year”.

Garnet Dana, from Spokane Valley, sent in $ 102, writing “Merry Christmas to all of you dear friends – help – every year you are a beacon of hope in my life. Over the years, I’ve added a dollar as I got older – this year it’s $ 102 – and look forward to next year! Best wishes to you all.

Wayne and Jan Swanson, of Spokane, donated $ 100. Dale West of Deer Park contributed $ 100. T. Jordan, from Spokane, sent in $ 100. An anonymous donor from Spokane donated $ 100.

Dianne Bongarts, from Spokane, sent in $ 50. Barbara Anderson, of Spokane, donated $ 20.

Coins totaling $ 3.03 were collected from the fountain in the courtyard outside The Spokesman-Review.