'Tots' nears Christmas goal
SANDPOINT — ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
Not a child was unhappy, unmerry or down
The donations were counted, safe and secure
Thanks to a community that cares beyond words.
The Lions were gathered all safe in their den
While visions of toy stores beckoned again
Volunteers in their mittens, scarves and their boots
Were ready to help with the best Christmas pursuit.
Outside it was snowing, inside it was warm
Cheering and laughter were all quite the norm
As away to the stores, the Lions they dashed
To snap up Christmas gifts in more than a flash.
As they drove back from the store, presents in tow
The weatherman promises a hint of new snow
Back at the den, the presents were tallied
As once again the community had rallied.
There were enough gifts, the toy store was packed
With all kinds of gifts, now that’s just a fact
And thanks to donations, food was on hand
for the best Christmas dinner in all of the land.
Now, Lions! Now, people! Now, volunteers all!
Oh coin jars, oh businesses, thanks one and all
It’s all thanks to you that Jane has a doll,
That Johnny has the game he’s wanted all fall!
As the campaign winds down after another great year,
It’s time to let out one big hearty cheer
To all those who donated, helped and made sure
A merry Christmas is had by all, you can be assured.
Today, the Lions have received $2,979.15 in donations, bringing the total received so far this year to $46,683.15. While not yet at their goal, Lions members say with donations still coming in they’ll keep up raising money for Toys for Tots until they hit their goal.
Today’s generous donations come from: Carl Hanson and Judy Lyding, $100; Rick and Pam Auletta, $250; Daily Bee employees Christmas party, $468; anonymous, $100; Leslie Downs (in memory of Marion), $100; anonymous, $25; Dana and Jody Martin, $100; Delbert Bader, $100; Doris Nuss (in memory of Orville), $100; Bradye and Landyn Bohrn, $2; Kootenai Elementary School, $1,204.69; Badger coin jar, $30.94; Tervan coin jar, $79.60; Ol Red’s coin jar, $28; A and P coin jar, $11.59; 219 coin jar, $183.22; Pita Pit coin jar, $21.11; and Stacy’s coin jar, $75.
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.)
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.