'Tots' starting slow
SANDPOINT — Forget cats, this time of year, Christmas rules the internet.
A quick Google search of “Christmas” nets about 49,200,000 results, “Xmas” nets another 41,000,00 and change, and Santa brings up at least 55,300,000 results.
I would have continued but all of the various Christmas words and phrases would probably break the Internet if I tried any more to see how many websites are out there dedicated to the holidays. (And I didn’t even try to see how many tweets, pins or other assorted social media options there are related to Christmas and the magic of the season.)
There are sites dedicated to Christmas, Santa, and to the North Pole. There are website with Christmas tales of woe, and celebration. There are sites dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift, make the perfect meal or buy that ugly holiday sweater that you’ve had your eye on for the past sixt months.
There are websites filled with Christmas carols — and their lyrics (so there is no excuse for saying no when you get asked to go Christmas caroling.) Sites help connect you with holiday traditions from every culture in the world — as well as a few which found their origins in the world of television. (All the “Seinfeld” fans know what I’m talking about — Festivus for the rest of us.)
There are websites detailing every holiday movie ever made and some of the fiercest debates can be over which Christmas moves is THE best one. Other websites feature Christmas clip art, Christmas decorations, where the best Christmas light displays can be found and more.
Every Christmas idea you can imagine — as well as millions you never conceived of before — can be found at your fingertips, helping you find your new favorite Christmas tradition.
My favorite Christmas tradition can be found right here at home — the Sandpoint Lions Club’s Toys for Tots campaign, which raises money to buy toys and gift certificates for more than 900 youngsters in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.
Now THAT is a Christmas tradition we can all get behind.
Today’s generous donations of $1,390, bringing the total to $11,270.89, were received from: anonymous, $20; Betsy Fulling, $20; Charlene and Roger Berget, $25; Richard Neuder, $25; Jack and Shirley Parker, $200; Carl Hanson and Judity Lyding, $100; Whitehead family, $500; and The Injectors Car Club, $500.
The goal for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years.
The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses. The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. A Christmas dinner for the family is also provided.
If you know someone, or need help yourself, the Lions are taking applications for the 2018 Toys for Tots program. Members are at the Lions Den, 607 S. Ella, on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, until Monday, Dec. 17 Applications are also available at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office, 207 Larkspur St., Ponderay.
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.
Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118
Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.