'Tots' makes Christmas merry
SANDPOINT — “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has to be one of my favorite holiday movies.
It’s a simple, classic tale that cuts right to the heart of the true meaning of Christmas. In perhaps one of the most famous scenes of the animated television special, Linus stands on the stage during the gang’s Christmas play and — in response to Charlie Brown’s plea if anyone knew the true meaning of Christmas, responds that he can and recites the annunciation of the shepherds scene from the Gospel of Luke.
Linus, while known as Charlie Brown’s best friends, is perhaps best known for his fond attachment to his blanket. And that’s where the second half of our tale comes in: He also serves as the inspiration for Project Linus — a non-profit that delivers homemade blankets and quilts to those who need them most. There are “blanketeers” — as volunteers are known — in every state of the U.S.
Like Project Linus, the Sandpoint Lions Club members aims to help those who need them the most — especially at Christmas with their annual Toys for Tots drive. More than 900 children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, who otherwise might go without a special Christmas gift, wake up to the news that Santa has made it to their home. In all, more than 10,000 gifts or gift certificates make their way to where they belong.
Won’t you consider helping the Lions create that special Christmas magic and donate to Toys for Tots?
Today, the Lions have received $1,500 in donations, bringing the total for this year to $25,868.14. Today’s generous donations come from: the Morris Family (in loving memory of Phyllis’ mom), $500; Bruce and Sue Vogelsinger, $100; Francis L. Tucker, $100; Del And Norma Pierce, $25; Gale and Lee Barfuss, $100; Wood’s Crushing and Hauling (Brian and Penny Woods), $300; Steve and Tamara Verby, $200; Philip and Karen Henderson, $25; and Thompson Lawncare/Paul and Nancy Thompson (in memory of Adele Thompson and Rich Gerstenberger), $150.
The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.
The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. 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 Monday, Dec. 19, 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 Judy Dabrowski, 208-290-5314.
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. Donations also can be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, P.O. Box 414, Sandpoint, ID, 83864
You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Kootenai Cutoff Road.
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.
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at:
Sagle — Stacey’s Country Kitchen and Travel America Plaza-Conoco.
Sandpoint — Farmin-Stidwell Elementary, Eagles, Sandpoint Fire Department, Columbia Bank, and Wells Fargo.
Kootenai and Ponderay — Columbia Bank, Bradley Insurance, North 40 Outfitters, and Samuels Store and Blue Heron Cafe.
Hope — Holiday Shores.