'Tots' captures Christmas magic
Jeremiah Thoronka grew up in the slum camps of Sierra Leonne amid the country's civil war.
Heat came from wood as did lighting. Classmates fell behind on schoolwork, having no way to study after dark.
Jeremiah became determined to do something about it.
Now 21, the student invented a way to turn the kinetic energy created by passing traffic and pedestrians into clean power for nearby homes and businesses, according to the Good News Network website.
His startup, Optim Energy, successfully installed two devices, which convert the vibrations into an electrical current, in his hometown of Makawo. It — powering 150 nearby homes and 15 schools. In a country where only 26% have access to electricity, his invention brought power to 10,000 people.
“I wanted to develop a more sustainable energy system, educate people about energy efficiency and stop their overuse of natural resources,” he is quoted as telling a BBC reporter. “The sun is not always shining, water is drying up, fossil fuels are not always going to be used, but people are always moving.”
Now a student at Durham University where he is studying for a master's degree in sustainability, Jeremiah was awarded the inaugural Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2021. The award, which comes with a one-time $100,000 prize, recognizes students who have made an impact on learning, the lives of their peers and on society beyond, according to ITV News.
Jeremiah told officials he plans to use the prize money to expand his startup to reach even more people. His goal is 100,000 by 2030.
Like Jeremiah, the Sandpoint Lions Club is dedicated to making the world a better place, of making the lives of those around them better. In the Lions' case, it comes in the form of its various community programs such as is annual Christmas drive, Toys for Tots.
Today's generous donations total $975 and come from: Patricia Clayburn, $100; Paula and Ryan McGinty, $25; Jack and Janice DeBaun, $200; Steven and Debroah Crain, $200; Marguerite and Thomas Suttmeier, $250; Bruce and Sue Vogelsinger, $100; and Cravens Taxidermy, $100.
To date, the annual Christmas drive has raised $8,023.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 bargain shopping, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.
Sign-up applications are available at the Bonner Community Food Bank and on the door of the Lions Den at 609 S. Ella Avenue right by the caboose in Lakeview Park. They can also be downloaded at bit.ly/3x7md4o.
Registration started Nov. 1 and ends on Dec. 17. Those filling out the application are reminded to be sure to fill out both pages and return your application promptly.
As last year, the application form includes information for parents to detail a wish list for each of their children as well as their favorite color and TV show or movie. This allows the Lions to fulfill as many wishes as they can.
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 Sandpoint branch, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way; and at the Ponderay and Sandpoint Starbucks.
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