Roxy's adds to 'Tots' drive
SANDPOINT — Mila Wilder knows first-hand how much magic the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign add to the holiday season.
Many years ago, a young single mother she had to turn to welfare to survive. When Christmas came, the Sandpoint Lions stepped in and helped her give her children a merry Christmas. In addition to the toys, special stocking stuffers of an orange and Christmas candy sparked a tradition that continues with her family to this day.
“Without Toys For Tots, I don’t know what I would have done,” Wilder said. “It meant everything because it was all we had.”
While those days of struggle are gone, Wilder now makes a point of giving back each year. Working with her friend Al Miles, who owns Roxy’s in downtown Sandpoint, she puts a donation jar at the bar beginning in October. Each day, someone starts the donations and it goes from there with some trying to beat the original donation, and some adding in what they can. At the end of the day, Miles ususally matches what his customers have donated — all adding up to a very generous donation this year of $750.72.
“Even if you just put change in, that change adds up. every little bit adds up,” said Wilder, who estimates she’s been spearheading the drive for about 10 years.
Being a part of the drive and helping Toys For Tots has become a very special part of her holidays, she said.
“The joy of giving and seeing kids smile is what Christmas is all about,” Wilder added. “I probably get more out of it now because I’m helping someone who helped me.”
Noting that there is a way to go before the Lions Club reaches its $50,000 goal, Wilder challenged other businesses to match Roxy’s donation.
Today’s donations add up to $880.72. To date, $5,847.38 has been raised.
The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years.
The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. 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 Wednesday, Dec. 16 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 Nancy Lewis at 263-7796.
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.
You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint or at the Ponderay branch.
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.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys may be made at Walmart and North 40 in Ponderay.