Donation jars aid 'Tots'

SANDPOINT — When you see a penny on the sidewalk, do you pick it up?

I know I do. I can’t seem to help it. I also can’t stop the childhood rhyme, “see a penny pick it up, the rest of the day you’ll have good luck,” from running through my head either. I’m sure the total amount of the pennies over the years doesn’t add up to much. However, that’s not the case when we combine our pennies.

You don’t need to look any further than the coin jars at the 219 and the Tam O’Shanter which raised money for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign. The 219 contributed a $96 donation and the Tam O’Shanter gave a $53 donations — both very generous donations to help ensure everyone in the community has a very merry Christmas.

In addition to the coin jars at the Tam O’Shanter and the 219, today’s generous donations, which totaled $919 were given by:

Ronald and Rose Chaney, $300; Idaho Alpha Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, $100; Susan Drumheller and Mike Murray, $50; Serve and Barbara Wilson, “in memory of our son, Todd Serve Wilson, (the light of our lives forever), $100; Jay and Linda Jones, $100; Del and Norma Pierce, $20; and June Dull in memory of Freda Pratt, “a Dependable and true friend, $100.

To date, $14,828 has been raised for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots program. 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, 509 N. Fifth Ave., 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; Washington Trust, 509 N. Fifth Ave., Suite E; Banner Bank, 605 Fifth Ave.; and at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.