'Tots' bundles up Christmas joy

More than 60 folks out for a night out got a bit more than they anticipated when Storm Arwen hit the United Kingdom recently.

The storm dumped a bunch of snow in the Swaledale area in northern England, closing several roads and knocking down a powerline. Of the three roads to the pub, two were blocked by snow drifts, and a downed power line shut the third, according to a story on the Good News Network website.

When the pub's owners and staff learned of the storm's anticipated arrival, they swung into action. Because the pub is off-grid, and having been through similar storms, the Tan Hill stocked up on fuel, food and drink, according to the website and to a story on CNN.

While one guest was evacuated due to ongoing dialysis treatment, the rest settled in for music by an Oasis cover band, quizzes, table games, karaoke and sing-along carol sessions.

"We will ALWAYS remember this group of amazing people who came together, and hopefully, in challenging circumstances, enjoyed what we all think was a life-changing experience," the pub's staff wrote in a Facebook post. "… I know as owners we are incredibly proud of our staff - each and everyone."

At least one of those stranded responded to the post, praising the staff for being so amazing during the three days the guests were stranded at the pub.

"You guys have been amazing," wrote Becky Longthorp. "You've worked never ending shifts to keep us well fed and watered. We will never forget this extraordinary experience. Thank you tann-Hill-inions. It's not over yet but 'some will slay' it's been a blast."

Like the folks at the Tan Hill, the Sandpoint Lions put the community first and foremost — especially at Christmastime. That is when their love for the community really shines through — countless hours are spent raising money, shopping for Christmas for children in need and working with the Bonner Community Food Bank to ensure a holiday meal is available as well.

Today's generous donations total $3,302 and come from Xieta Chapter Beta Sigma Phi — Roxie Lowther, $50, and Rebecca Hawkins, $100; Beta Sigma Phi Xieta Chapter — $100, Erin Somerville, $150; William and Marge Preuss, $250; Daniel and Yvonne Hull, $100; Dan and Patty McLaughlin, $50; Knights of Columbus Father Kelly Council #288, $100; Doreen Dugan, $50; Barbara Buchanan and Rick Dalessio, $500; Sandra and Robert Sherrill, $40; Debbie and Terry Allen, $50; Fred and Karla Darnell in loving memory of Freddie and Debbie, $100; John Moe, $500; Panhandle Forest Products, $200; Washington Federal, $602; Ruth Wimberly DA Davidson, $100; and anonymous, $260.

To date, the annual Christmas drive has raised $37,528.27 of the Sandpoint Lion's goal of $50,000 for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign — 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