Thank you, everyone, for helping 'Tots' drive

The Sandpoint Lions Club wishes to thank all of the people, organizations, and businesses that donated money, time, toys, or services to the 2018 Toys for Tots campaign. All of this was made possible by the exceptional generosity of this community. Your generosity coupled with the work of the club members and many volunteers ensured that:

- Over 700 children received Christmas gifts, including not only new toys and gift certificates, but gloves, hats, and scarves to help ward off winter’s chill.

- Over 1,200 people received a box of food to prepare a hearty holiday meal.

The Sandpoint Lions Club has run the Toys for Tots program for over 50 years. The program provides new toys for children who reside in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. In addition, a food box is provided to the family.

Fundraising begins with Turkey Bingo at Bonner Mall in November and continues throughout the holiday season with local folks stepping up to contribute to our goal of $50,000. The Hoot Owl spaghetti feed was a huge success raising $1,800. A silent and live auction at the A&P bar raised over $2,600.

We wish to thank all the cash donors. Your contributions, large and small, are all very much appreciated. The program continues to be successful because of these donations. Also, the many individuals, organizations, and businesses that donated toys. In addition, a big thank you to the ladies who spent many hours knitting gloves, hats and scarves. Thanks to the businesses that donated service, including Waste Management, and Sandpoint Property Management.

There were also a number of volunteers who pitched in to provide the labor to unload the food truck, prepare the food boxes, and haul the toys and food boxes for the recipients. Among these volunteers were the Marine Corps League, and Ponderay Police Department.

A special “thanks” to the students of Sandpoint High School that made Toys for Tots their “Battle for the Paddle” charity. They raised sufficient funds (and donated toys) to put us over the top in our fundraising efforts.

Finally, we wish to thank Caroline Lobsinger and the Bonner County Daily Bee for daily coverage of our fundraising activities. Their generous coverage, including the “fund thermometer” and the listing of donors, is a key factor in raising the monies necessary to purchase the toys, gift certificates, and food boxes. Thank you, Caroline.

To all of the contributors and volunteers: Thank you for demonstrating, once again, that Sand-point area residents are among the most caring and generous people in the entire U.S.A! Thanks again, from the Sandpoint Lions Club.

HOWARD SHAY

Sandpoint

Chairman

Sandpoint Lions Club

2018 Toys for Tots