Christmas Bureau - Gifts for Kids in Need

The Spokane County Fair & Expo Center
404 N Havana.

Wednesday, December 11- Friday, December 20 (excluding Sunday) 10am - 2:30pm

Each year since 1945, the Christmas Bureau has offered help and hope to thousands of needy families. Beginning after Thanksgiving, the Spokesman-Review accepts donations and publishes articles acknowledging everyone who participates. The donated funds buy thousands of high-quality toys and books for needy families.

Then, for two weeks in December, two local nonprofit social service agencies— Volunteers of America and Catholic Charities—gather, train and coordinate more than 500 volunteers who help make the bureau run smoothly.

Needy families can come to the bureau, held at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center (404 N. Havana) to pick out a toy and a book for each of their children for Christmas Day. In addition, each household receives a grocery-store voucher to stock the cupboards for the holidays.

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. 

How do I qualify for help?

Eligibility: There are no income restrictions to participate, but you must bring specific information to the Fairgrounds.

Bring: Photo ID for you and every person living with you who's 18 or older PLUS proof of current physical address for all adults. That means a power bill, rent receipt or phone bill showing a name at that address (No P.O. boxes). This is required for all adults. Social Security cards not valid as ID.

For children: Something from their school or daycare for each child living at that address, showing their name, address and birth date. OR A document from DSHS or other social service agency verifying name, address and date of birth OR A WIC folder.

For more information visit www.voaspokane.org/christmas-bureau