The generosity of Spokanites overflowed and spilled into our office a couple of weeks ago in the form hair scrunchies, small toys, coloring books, crayons, stuffed animals, pretty combs, etcetera.

We had set what we thought was an ambitious goal — to send 50 shoeboxes to Poland to be distributed to Ukrainian refugee children. The final tally came to 300+ large shoeboxes all, literally, stuffed with items too varied and wonderful to list — and it all happened in less than a week!

People from all over Spokane and its outlying areas streamed into our office ladened with gifts. Some donated money. Others had items mailed from Amazon to help fill the boxes. The Nordstrom Rack donated over boxes to help contain the gifts. Sketchers also donated some boxes.

We are well aware that these shoeboxes constitute just a tiny moment of relief in what is a horrifying and overwhelming humanitarian crisis, but they are indicative of so much more — the unified generosity of spirit that is the best of who we are as a city.

People from all over Spokane and its outlying areas streamed into our office ladened with gifts. Some donated money. Others had items mailed from Amazon to help fill the boxes. The Nordstrom Rack donated over boxes to help contain the gifts. Sketchers also donated some boxes.

At Pioneer School, Ms. Nicole’s 4th/5th grade class took in items and boxes packed them in class as part of their school day. Instead of hearing about what was happening in Ukraine and worrying for the children, the students, including our son Benson, were so excited to be able to do something tangible.

Many of the boxes we received included notes of encouragement and love. For many, it was a family effort. Children drew pictures and made cards to let the Ukrainian children know they care. One family even had their notes translated into Ukrainian.

Volunteers packed the boxes into my car, and I made trip after trip to UPS on Sullivan where they donated their time and packing materials to prepare all the boxes for shipping! On one such trip, UPS actually had to ask me to keep the boxes in my car over the weekend so they had room to work with the ones they already had from us.

Our office is only one of many affiliated real estate offices around the country doing the same thing, and I know that Americans are showing up at those offices carrying thoughtful gifts to add to the effort, but let me tell you, Spokane people are something else! Matt and I have always known we live in a terrific city surrounded by terrific people, but that week blew us away.

So, bravo, Spokane! You did yourself proud, and we can’t thank you enough for standing with us to help the children of Ukraine.