In December of 1935, the staff of Western State Hospital at Steilacoom worked closely with the families and friends of the patients to insure that everyone at the hospital had a merry Christmas. Miss Frances Burkey, nurse, Frank M. Lamborn, in charge of hospital commissary, and his assistant P.F. Chadwick filled large baskets with bags of candy, fruit and nuts. The baskets were distributed to the hospitals 36 wards, and every one of the 2,330 patients received their own bag of treats. The hospital also received over 20,000 gifts sent by family, friends and Tacoma merchants which were distributed on Christmas morning.
