Residents' generosity helps 'Tots' drive grow
SANDPOINT - Life really is about putting one foot in front of the other.
Or keeping your eyes on the prize.
It also is about not losing focus.
While Bonner County residents adjusted to keeping their footing and vehicles on the road with the season's first official snowstorm Friday, the Toys for Tots campaign began to gain purchase.
Although total contributions are still behind last year's numbers to date by about $7,000, this community continues to be generous in giving to the campaign.
Today, with 12 days left before Christmas, the fund total is $16,210.92, with $1,120 in new donations. This year's goal is $50,000 - slightly higher than last year's goal.
Today's contributions:
Anonymous, $20; two anonymous donations for $25 each; Dale and Mary Ann Johnson, $25; Arlo and Patricia Clayburn, $25; Ray and Dolores Kincaid, $50; Jeff Sater, $50; anonymous, $50;
Debra Heise and family in memory of Jeff Jones, $100; anonymous, $100; Bountiful Organics, Pat Vanvolkinburg, $100; Rhonna and Andy Cook of Carmel, Ind., $100;
Richard and Barbara Tritch of Sun City, Ariz., $150; and Glen and Carol Sanford, $200.
The Jeff and Wendy Sater spaghetti feed Toys for Tots fundraiser takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hooties. All proceeds benefit Toys for Tots.
Cash or check donations to Toys for Tots can be submitted to Panhandle State Bank at its Sandpoint and Ponderay branches or the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., or P.O. Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
If you are making an anonymous donation make your request known by include a note on your check or in an envelope with your contribution.
The club also is accepting the donation of new toys only.
Toys can be dropped off in boxes in the following locations: Kootenai, Washington and Farmin elementary schools; Bonner Mall, Coldwater Creek, Sandpoint City Hall, Wal-Mart, Safeway, Sandpoint West Athletic Club, both Panhandle State Bank branches, Sagle Fire Department, Hope Texaco, Elmira Store, Samuels Shell Station, Pro Build, Sandpoint Building Supply, Zandoozles, Connie's Cafe, Wells Fargo Bank, Hooties, Hoot Owl, Home Depot, Idaho Spas, Northland Cable, W Cleaners and Nu Way Storage.
Applications also are being accepted for the Sandpoint Lions Club's Toys for Tots drive.
Applications for toys and food boxes can be picked up at Panhandle Health (Michigan and Ella), Health and Welfare (off Kootenai Cutoff in Ponderay), Monday through Friday, and the Lions Den (607 S. Ella) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Food boxes and toys for families (last names A-K) will be given out on Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23 (L-Z) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.