Christmas lives in love, generosity
SANDPOINT — “The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things.”
The comment from American clergyman Thomas S. Monson has to be one of my favorite on the site. It captures the spirit of the season and the magic of Christmas all in one fell swoop. It reminds us what is important but offers us hope that what Christmas is all about is out there just waiting for us.
If you wander your mouse over to brainyquote.com, and search for Christmas, generosity of love, page upon page of quotes fill the screen, which is a refreshing thing to see. It is a reminder that the human spirit is a beautiful thing and our love for each other shines bright, even when we think the flame has dimmed or extinguished.
Among my other favorite quotes found on the site:
• "Make space in your life for the things that matter, for family and friends, love and generosity, fun and joy. Without this, you will burn out in mid-career and wonder where your life went." (Jonathan Sacks, British clergyman)
• "We do not remember days, we remember moments." (Cesare Pavese, Italian poet)
• "We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life." (William Osler, Canadian scientist)
• "Kindness, tolerance, integrity, modesty, generosity — these are attributes that events permit us. They are our holiday moods, and we are as proud of them as of the fine clothes we have hung away to wear on occasions." (Ben Hecht, writer)
• "True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share. (Suze Orman, American author and financial advisor)
• "Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white.' " (Bing Crosby, American musician and singer)
It’s that spirit of generosity and love that’s found in ways both little and grand in the community that never ceases to inspire me. From those who need a few pennies to cover more-than-expected groceries to those needing help to pay for a catastrophic medical bill, this community is like no other in how everyone responds to help out, no questions asked.
And the biggest embodiment of the community's spirit of love and generosity can be seen in the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual Toys for Tots drive.
Won't you consider helping them make Christmas merry for the community's youth?
Today's donations total $510 bringing the total amount of donations received to date to $28,687.75 of the $50,000 goal set by the Lions for the annual Christmas campaign.
Generous donations were received from Steve Wolfe and Beth Goodnight, $100; Larry and Patricia Hofmann (in memory of Terry Hofmann), $100; Mark and Janice Johnson, $100; Dan and Patty Mclaughlin, $50; Pamela Duquette, $10; and anonymous, $150.
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.
Toys may be dropped off at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint; Farmhouse Restaurant, 477227 U.S. 95, Ponderay; Columbia Bank — Sandpoint branch, 414 Church St.; and Ponderay branch, 300 Kootenai Cutoff Road; Walmart, 476999 U.S. 95, Ponderay; and North 40, 477181 U.S. 95, Ponderay.
There are a host of coin jars around the community where spare change can be donated. In addition, monetary donations may be dropped off at both branches of Columbia Bank and the Bonner County Daily Bee during normal business hours. 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.