Christmas Bureau voucher request deadline is Nov. 2

Spokane-area adults who have no children living with them can seek Christmas Bureau grocery assistance online through Nov. 2. Applications are available at christmasspokane.org, with a limit of one submission for each street address. More than 2,000 child-free households have already applied, according to Christmas Bureau Coordinator Heidi Meany.

Successful applicants will receive their grocery store vouchers by mail during December’s first week. The money may go toward Christmas food, a special item or ordinary pantry supplies. Those who do not apply by the firm Nov. 2 cutoff may instead attend the December event at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Deer Park retiree Bonnie Collins received a $30 voucher last year. After staff helped correct an error in her online application, she spent the voucher on baking ingredients and shared what she made with neighbors. Collins, who has limited income, plans to buy baking supplies again this year and has been telling friends about the program.

The Christmas Bureau, now operating for its 80th year, brings together The Spokesman-Review, Catholic Charities and Volunteers of America. Organizers are also gathering tagged, new pajamas in infant and child sizes through Dec. 3. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 12 E. Fifth Ave., the main Catholic Charities office. Last year’s drive brought in a record 5,300 pairs, yet some parents and guardians received none.