Lions kick off Toys for Tots campaign
SANDPOINT — Human character is revealed not when life hands out one royal flush after another, but when someone else’s challenges are more meaningful than our own.
People who are fairly new to Bonner County have said that not only are they drawn to the area’s spectacular recreational opportunities and beauty, but they like its sense of community and people’s willingness to help local causes and one another.
This past year has been quite difficult as people have lost their homes, their jobs, their businesses and even their self-worth and yet those strong threads of character that weave this community together are more present than ever.
Recently, the logging community (and area businesses) came together to help one its own — Chris Owens and his family — by raising money to help the family while Owens waits to qualify for Social Security disability.
This when the logging community has been hard hit by the economic downturn.
This not the only example of this community’s character.
Kinderhaven, POAC, Sandpoint Arts Alliance, the Panida Theater, Bonner Community Food Center and the Sandpoint Lions all benefit from this special something.
This year, the Sandpoint Lions is starting off Toys for Tots with a boost from a special group of motorcycle loving local women who raised a substantial amount of money by riding their bikes in September.
Collectively, the Scootin Sisters raised $4,317.69 (plus $1,000 in toys) for Toys for Tots.
The Lions also raised another $1,788.50 with its annual three-day Turkey Bingo event held at Bonner Mall.
Donations for this year’s $50,000 campaign totals $6,251.19.
Today’s donors include:
James and Gwen Galand, $20; Elaine M. Cox, $25; anonymous, $100; Turkey Bingo, $1788.50; and Scootin Sisters, $4,317.69.
The Lions Den will begin taking applications for Toys for Tots beginning Wednesday, Dec. 2. The club house will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 4 p.m. for applicants.
Those who need help must include a physical address and a working telephone number (it can me a message number) on the application.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is the only other location where applications will be available.
Toys can be left in donation boxes in Sandpoint-area banks, Wal-Mart and the Bonner Mall entryway, along with Nu-Way Storage and North Idaho Spas.
“Every place that wants one, we give them one,” said Lion Nancy Lewis.
Financial donations can be left at Panhandle State Bank’s Sandpoint or Ponderay locations, the front desk at the Bonner County Daily Bee or mailed to the Daily Bee, P.O. Box 159, Sandpoint ID 83864, ATTN. Toys for Tots.
If you wish to have your donation remain anonymous, please include a notation inside the envelope and on the check.
Also, if you are leaving a donation at one of the PSB locations for a specific organization, make sure that information is given to bank staff so that the donors receive credit.