Turkey Bingo kicks off Toys for Tots campaign
Jamie Offermann gets a helping hand from his son, Berrett, during a game of Turkey Bingo in 2019. Proceeds from the event, set this year for Saturday and Sunday, go toward the Sandpoint Lions' Toys for Tots program.
(File photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER)
SANDPOINT — The location may be new but the goal is the same — play a little bingo, have fun and kick off the Sandpoint Lions' annual Toys for Tots campaign.
This year, the Lions are hosting Turkey Bingo games on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 6-8 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 14, from noon-4 p.m. Both games will take place at the Sandpoint VFW Hall, 1325 Pine St.
A total of six turkeys will be given away and the Lions will be raffling off toys and quilts to raise funds for the annual Christmas drive.
In addition, the club will hold a 50/50 drawing with the lucky winner taking home half the pot. Popcorn, drinks, chips and hot dogs will be sold as well.
"We're really just excited to be able to do Turkey Bingo again," Lions President Janice Rader said. "It's been two years since we've been able to hold it and I'm nervous and excited at the same time."
Public support for the Toys for Tots program helps the Lions ensure everyone in the community has the merriest of Christmases, Rader said.
Through community support, the Lions are able to provide free new toys for children — or gift cards for older youth — who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. In addition, a Christmas dinner for the family is available.
With five applications on the first day, Rader said the club is preparing for an increase in the number of people seeking the Lions' help.
"There's a greater need for Toys for Tots than there ever has been with people losing their jobs and struggling," she said.
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.
If you know someone, or need help yourself, the Lions are taking applications for the Toys for Tots program. Applications are available at Bonner Community Food Bank and on the door of the Lions Den.
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 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