Make holiday season merry and bright for all

Empty bellies. Cold homes. Threadbare clothes.

Not the image of the holidays that most of us have, much less found on the front of a cheery Christmas card.

Unfortunately, there are many people for whom that is the reality. Fortunately, there are groups like the Sandpoint Lions Club and the Bonner Community Food Center, who make it their mission to make lives better, especially during the holidays.

With its annual Toys for Tots campaign, the Lions Club truly embodies the spirit of Christmas. When we pay $4 for a cup of coffee, it's hard to argue that we can't afford to help. Even if it's $1, it all adds up.

Donations in envelopes clearly marked for Toys for Tots can be left at Panhandle State Bank's Ponderay branch (300 Kootenai Cutoff Road) and Sandpoint branch (231 N. Third Ave.) or dropped off or mailed to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St. or P.O. Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Make checks out to Toys for Tots. Cash should be placed in a sealed envelope with the donor's name written on a note placed inside.

Hunger is a year-round problem and something that we can all do something about every time we go to the grocery store. Buying a jar of peanut butter? Grab an extra for the food bank — or donate the equivalent in cash. Stocking up on tuna fish or other basics? Consider giving some to the food bank.

This time of year is hard on the area's working poor. Already-stretched budgets have to go further to pay for higher utility bills, $3 a gallon gas and rent. Sometimes there isn't enough left over for food. Fortunately, the food bank is there to help out. Right now, the food bank needs our help to keep shelves filled and our neighbors fed.

Let's work together to make this the merriest Christmas ever. Donate what you can to the Lions and the food bank or one of the many other local charities. You'll find it to be the best Christmas present you can give yourself.

Caroline Lobsinger is the

managing editor of the Bee.