Sportsmen's group aids 'Tots' campaign
SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Sportsmen’s Association has a long history in Bonner County.
Founded in 1934, they’ve long served as a protector of the region’s woods and wildlife — in fact, that’s their motto. The group’s members worked hard to improve and enhance fish and wildlife habitat as well as to protect and enhance fishing and hunting opportuntities and habitat in the Idaho Panhandle. They are dedicated to sustaining the area’s quality of life.
Their accomplishments cooperation with the Idaho Wildlife Federation and others to establish a Fish and Game Commission and re-introduction of elk into the Panhandle in the 1930s. In the 1940s, they worked with the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to establish a fishing derby on Lake Pend Oreille and in the 1950s, BCSA members were central in an effort to stop the Navy from testing any weapons or explosives in the lake. And, in the 1960s, the association worked with the city of Sandpoint to open the outdoor rifle range on Baldy Mountain Road.
But don’t think that that’s all this dedicated men and women do — they are as passionate and as caring about the people of the community and are long-standing protectors of the community’s children, donating annually to the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign. Their donations — this year an amazing $300 — have helped ensure all children have a merry holiday season.
Today’s donations were generously given by Alan Neal, $5; anonymous, $100; Bonner County Sportsmen’s Assocation, $300; Richard and Steve Neuder, $25; Paul and Nancy Thompson of Thompson’s Lawn Care, $100; and Steve and Tamara Verby, $250.
Today’s donations add up to $780. To date, $6,627.38 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, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.
Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
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 the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St.,; Northland Communications, 1305 Highway 2, Suite 1B; Stacey’s Country Kitchen, 469000 Highway 95, Sagle; Washington Elementary, 420 S. Boyer Ave., Sandpoint; Farmin Stidwell Elementary, 1626 Spruce St., Sandpoint; Sagle Elementary, 550 Sagle Road; Southside Elementary, 1 Southside School Road, Cocolalla; Valley Vista Care, 220 N. Division Ave., Sandpoint; Sagle Fire Department, 2689 Gun Club Road, Sagle; Sandpoint Fire Department, 1123 Lake St., Sandpoint; Walmart, 476999 Highway 95, Ponderay; North 40, 477181 Highway 95, Ponderay; and at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.