Christmas spirit at the heart of 'Tots' drive
Who the man is, no one really knows. They're not even sure who his wife is.
But the New Jersey man's cardboard sign caught the internet by storm last March. The man, wearing a letterman-style jacket and jeans, is pictured against the glass of the Morristown Medical Center.
"Thank you all in emergency for saving my wife's life. I love you all."
The image was captured by nurse Paige Vander Vilet, who shared it with her sister-in-law Shay.
"She sent me this picture the other day and I feel like it needs to be seen as much as possible!” wrote Shay, in a post on Facebook, according to goodnewsnetwork.com. “I don’t know how to make a photo go viral but I think this one is worth sharing— so please, share away!
“And thank you, Paige, and ALL of the nurses and doctors, for your hard work and dedication, especially during this scary time.”
And the website reports, just like Shay Vander Vilet hoped, the post went viral and was shared more than 61,000 times as well as raising awareness for a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for New Jersey hospitals in need of protective medical gear.
The man wasn't looking to go viral. He wasn't looking for his message of thanks to be seen by anyone other than the nurses and emergency department staff who helped his wife in her time of need.
And like those nurses, the Sandpoint Lions aren't looking for recognition or kudos. They simply want to help as many children as possible have a very merry Christmas.
To date, the annual Christmas drive has raised $2,063.
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