Spokesman-Review Christmas Bureau
The Christmas Bureau is an annual holiday assistance program coordinated by Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, Volunteers of America, and the Spokesman-Review. The program is made possible by generous monetary funds and volunteer hours donated by community members and organizations.
DonateThe Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund exists because of the generous donations of the newspaper's readers and area businesses. From Thanksgiving to Dec. 29, the paper accepts donations and publishes articles listing everyone who participates.
Then, through the expert coordination of Catholic Charities and the Volunteers of America, the money is used to open The Christmas Bureau for seven days in December. This year the Christmas Bureau will be an in-person event.
The money buys thousands of high-quality toys in January when prices are lowest. The charities coordinate to gather and train more than 200 volunteers who help make the bureau run smoothly.
The result is an opportunity for people in the greater Inland Northwest community to take care of their less-fortunate neighbors. It's a vast undertaking, and one that hopes to make the holiday a bit brighter for those in need.
The fundraising goal this year is $535,000.
Details
What: Christmas Bureau
Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St.
Times and Dates: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 13-15; 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12. Closed Sunday, Dec. 11.
ID requirements: Each adult and child who receives holiday support from the Christmas Bureau must meet identification requirements. Income is not verified.
Adults must bring photo ID for themselves and every person older than 18 living in the household. Copies are acceptable. Additionally, each adult must show proof of address, such as a piece of mail or bills sent to your physical address (P.O. boxes are not accepted) or a rental agreement.
For children (age 17 and younger), bring a document from a school, day care center or social service agency verifying each child’s name and date of birth. An insurance card or WA Apple Health Statement is acceptable. Birth certificates may only be used to verify date of birth.
Social Security cards and Medicaid cards are not valid identification.
No Animals: Animals are prohibited except for service dogs. Please leave pets at home.
COVID Protocols: The Christmas Bureau will follow CDC and Spokane Regional Health guidelines. Recipients may be asked to wear a mask upon entry.
How to Donate
By mail: Checks may be mailed to The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund, P.O. Box 516, Spokane, WA 99210.
In person: Bring your donation to the lobby of The Spokesman-Review at 999 W. Riverside Ave. Please mark prominently: CHRISTMAS FUND.
Online: Donations can be made at the Christmas Bureau website.
If you’d like a receipt for your donation, make sure to include your mailing address in PayPal’s comment box. If you’d like a receipt via email, just include a valid email address. In either case, we won’t share your information with anyone or use it for any other reason. And feel free to use the comment box to tell us anything you’d like.
Questions? Email The Spokesman-Review at christmasfund@spokesman.com.
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Fri., Dec. 23, 2022
New volunteers jumped right in to help at the Christmas Bureau
Thu., Dec. 22, 2022
Businesses also jump in to help make the Christmas Bureau happen
Wed., Dec. 21, 2022
Christmas Bureau: Local Arby’s restaurant donates food, time to help out families in need
UPDATED: Mon., Dec. 19, 2022
When Christmas goes to the dogs, everyone is happy
Sat., Dec. 17, 2022
The Spokesman-Review Christmas Fund exists because of the generous donations of the newspaper's readers and area businesses. From Thanksgiving to Dec. 29, the paper accepts donations and publishes articles listing everyone who participates.
Then, through the expert coordination of Catholic Charities and the Volunteers of America, the money is used to open The Christmas Bureau for seven days in December. This year the Christmas Bureau will be an in-person event.
The money buys thousands of high-quality toys in January when prices are lowest. The charities coordinate to gather and train more than 200 volunteers who help make the bureau run smoothly.
The result is an opportunity for people in the greater Inland Northwest community to take care of their less-fortunate neighbors. It's a vast undertaking, and one that hopes to make the holiday a bit brighter for those in need.
The fundraising goal this year is $535,000.