'Tots' drive nears goal
SANDPOINT — These days, couples aren’t shy when it comes to expressing their individuality at their wedding.
Instead of gifts, some couple ask for a donation to their favorite charity. Others partner with a local animal shelter and use kittens or puppies instead of flowers as a way to promote the facility (and maybe find a home or two for one of the critters). The internet is packed with all kinds of ways the couples have come up with to put their own stamp on the wedding, from the inexpensive to the lavish.
But perhaps the best idea comes from a Florida couple who took their wedding party to a local store so they could buy gifts to donate to needy children for Christmas. But that’s getting ahead of the story a bit.
First, the backstory. According to NBC affiliate WESH in central Florida, Brad and Jessica Bond’s love story began seven years ago. As soon as he met her, Brad said he knew Jessica was “the one.” So, on their first date, he invited her to be a part of the family’s favorite Christmas tradition.
“So we pulled in the parking lot of Target,” Brad Bond told the news station. “I explained my parents have always made Christmas special for me.”
And now, as the legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey was want to say, for the rest of the story.
And inside they went, purchasing toys to give away to children as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Christmas program.
“It’s something that has been a tradition for us, like, ever since we started dating,” Jessica Bond told WESH reporters.
So, when it came time to plan their wedding, the couple knew they needed to incorporate their tradition of giving to others. That’s why the newlyweds invited their entire wedding party to Target to shop for the Corps’ Toys for Tots program.
As wedding party members arrived, they were handed a $10 gift card to buy a gift to a child to help ensure they would have a merry Christmas. (Many of the members spent much more than that as they hunted down the perfect gift.)
“So if we can make some kids smile on Christmas, didn’t matter if it was one day, or a relationship, it was successful,” Brad Bond told the affiliate in a story on the station’s website.
The idea was a smash hit with their friends and family.
“I’m sure the kids are going to enjoy this, and that’s what Christmas is all about, you know?” Jessica Bond’s mother, Emy Pargas, said.
With all their blessings, and finding each other, the couple the idea was a natural — how could they not give to others as they prepared for the day dedicated to celebrating their love?
“I have the most amazing wife on the planet, so if we (are) able to give back and share our blessing with others, then what better can we do on our wedding day?” Brad Bond said in the story.
And, since there is no way to top that ending, on to today’s donations, which added up to a generous $3,122.16, bringing the total to $47,436.05, were received from Bea Moreau, $25; Dorothy and Thomas Keener, $25; Walt and Pat Bauer, in memory of Ed Bauer, $200; anonymous, $100; Tom and Barbara Spade, $50; Marty Brow, in loving memory of my son Frank, $100; Woods Crushing and Hauling, $300; Idaho Forest, $2,310; and anonymous, $12.16.
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.
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 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.