Area's generosity shines bright

SANDPOINT — A recent study found Idahoans were among the most generous people in the country.

Taken by WalletHub, a personal finance social network, the study measured eight categories — volunteer rate, percentage of adjusted gross income donated, percentage of the population who claim to have donated time, people who donated money to charity, growth in charitable giving from 2006 to 2012, number of charities per 10,000 residents, community service requirement for high school graduation and the number of volunteer hours per capita.

Data was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Corporation for National and Community Service, Education Commission of the States, the National Center for Charitable Statistics, the Internal Revenue Service and The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Gallup.

I would bet that a key reason for Idaho’s reputation for generosity and kindness are Bonner County’s residents.

If someone needs a helping hand, neighbors are there without being asked. If someone forgets their wallet, you can bet someone in line will offer assistance. Medical bills to pay? You can bet that a fundraiser is in the works and soon the fairgrounds will be packed with friends, neighbors and community members looking to help out.

And look no further than the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign. Each year, everyone pitches in to help the Lions reach their $50,000 goal; from a little girl giving her allowance to coin jars at local businesses to area leaders and residents digging deep — with donations both large and small — to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas.

Today’s generous donations, which totaled $3,450, were given by: Taylor Insurance Inc., $500; Karen Seashore & Tom Tillisch, $25; Bill & Lola Bennett, $50; Roger & Charleen Berget, $25; Linda & Steve Schaffner, $50; Bruce & Sue Vogelsinger, $100; John Deshon, Northern Management, $2,000; Doreen Dugan, $50; Specialty Auto Glass, $150; and Richard & Marcia Neher, $500.

To date, $29,852.56 has been raised for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots program. The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years.

The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. A Christmas dinner for the family is also provided.

Those who need help this year can apply at the Lions Den, 607 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint (west of Memorial Field next to the Bonner County Historical Museum.)

The Lions Den will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 16 so members can accept applications. Applications also are available at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office.

If you have any questions about Toys for Tots sign-up, call Nancy Lewis at 263-7796.

Donations for Toys for Tots can be dropped off at the front desk at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.

Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Donations made by check are preferred. Be sure to include a note with your check indicating that it is a Toys for Tots donation. If you wish to make an anonymous donation, please include a note.

If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys may be made at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St.; Northland Communications, 509 N. Fifth Ave., Suite 1B; Stacey’s Country Kitchen, 469000 Highway 95, Sagle; Washington Elementary, 420 S. Boyer Ave., Sandpoint; Farmin Stidwell Elementary, 1626 Spruce St., Sandpoint; Sagle Elementary, 550 Sagle Road; Southside Elementary, 1 Southside School Road, Cocolalla; Valley Vista Care, 220 N. Division Ave., Sandpoint; Sagle Fire Department, 2689 Gun Club Road, Sagle; Sandpoint Fire Department, 1123 Lake St., Sandpoint; Walmart, 476999 Highway 95, Ponderay; North 40, 477181 Highway 95, Ponderay; Washington Trust, 509 N. Fifth Ave., Suite E; Banner Bank, 605 Fifth Ave.; and at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.

Information: https://wallethub.com/edu/most-and-least-charitable-states/8555/