SHS adds huge 'Tots' boost

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Lions Club is mad about the Moose — Moose Madness, that is.

Once again, the awesome students at Sandpoint High School have come through in a huge way for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign — this year raising a massive $9,642.15!

Amazing! Wondeful! Awesome! Adjectives that describe both the kids and the donation amount.

Early on, it looked like the students would finish well short of their goal. Did that deter them? Not even close. Team Bulldog doubled down and hit the streets, talking to everyone and anyone to secure donations. By deadline, it was time for the Moose Madness basketball games and spirit competitions, and the students had a surprise for the Sandpoint Lions. Instead of the smaller check they warned was likely, they presented the Lions with a whopping almost $10,000 donation.

The donations from SHS include checks made out directly to Toys for Tots. The winning classrooms are AP Statistics with Mrs. Auld, $1,717.24; Spanish II with Mrs. Imaz, $1,330.85; and World History with Mrs. Haynes, $589.49.

Businesses which donated to the students’ drive include Big Lake Recreation, $250; Lake Country Orthopedic, $250; Benjamin Hull, DDS, $35; Panhandle Forest Products, $150; Miller Handyman Services, $200; All Seasons Garden and Floral, $75; Joel’s, $25; Spears Insurance, $25; and Steves Import Auto, $30.

Individuals who donated as part of Moose Madness include: Frazier King, MD, $100; Norris family, $50; Stockman family, 25; Perry family, $100; Donnelly family, $25; Kovulchuk family, $25; Vandenbergs, $20; and Beverly Dunn, $40.

Today’s equally generous donations, which totaled $12,235.84, also were given by:

Kootenai School, $623.69; Mike & Ann Phillips, $25; anonymous, $20;

Daniel & Debra Butler, $100; Robert & Ellen Lizotte, $100; Gregory & Betsy Walker, $100;

Barbara Ridley in memory of Don & Norma Zahn, “Thank You For All The Wonderful Christmas Memories,” love Barb, $25; Joseph & Mae Lapham, $50; Vern & Pam Caven, Ace Septic Tank Service, $75; Marilyn Haddad, $50;

Jane McNulty, $100; Joanne Barbee, “In Memory Of Gil Barbee, who worked long & hard to improve the Toys For Tots building & who removed many a skunk from under the den, $100; Brown’s Northside Machine & Gear, $200; Idaho Forest Group Laclede & employees, $1,000; and The Bridge, $25.

To date, $47,404.40 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.

While donations will continue to be accepted through Christmas, the Sandpoint Lions we will be giving out toys and food boxes again today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. People whose last names begin with L-Z should come in on Tuesday. However, exceptions may be made if parents have to work on their scheduled day or need to ride with someone else.

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.