'Tots' drive captures Christmas spirit
Do you ever feel that there's never enough time to do everything you want to do?
If so, you're not alone. A new survey sponsored by Dutch Bros. Coffee asked 2,000 American adults how they spend their time during the holidays. More than half — 52% to be exact – said they try to fit in as many festivities and holiday fun as they can, according to a story on the Good News Network website.
The survey also found that just over half — 54% — wish the holiday season lasted longer, with 59% saying that two weeks would be good and another 40% saying they wouldn't mind an if the Christmas season was even longer than that.
A vast majority — 74% of those who responded to the survey — said that prepping for the holiday season makes them happy. A third of those folks described themselves as the most festive person they know.
Some said they take joy in unique holiday traditions, from special ornaments to wearing matching pajamas or costumes. Some go to a Christmas Eve service while others binge on "A Christmas Story" while still others spend the time creating a gift for those in need.
The classics are a favorite, according to the survey — 72% like to snack on their favorite Christmas treats, 65% like to watch classic holiday movies, 61% said decorating their home in festive holiday style, and 53% said their favorite thing to do is bake Christmas treats for loved ones.
In Bonner County, a favorite tradition is the Sandpoint Lions' annual Toys for Tots drive, which harnesses the joy and love of the holiday season with the kindness of the community's residents to help make Christmas merry for everyone.
Today's generous donations total $3,475 and were received from: anonymous, $1,500; Steve and Tamara Verby, $500; Robert A Gordon, $200; Ruth Wimberly, $100; Patricia Clayburn, $100; anonymous, $400; Doreen Dugan, $25; Esther H. and Larry Inselman, $25; Paula L. and Ryan McGinty, $25; Michael D. and Carole O Markes, $100; Lawrence O. and Brenda K Smith (in memory of Kip and Joyce Smith), $250; Sherry L. Ennis, $50; Lea Sammons, $100; and Cravens' Taxidermy (Terry Cravens), $100.
The donations bring the total amount of donations received to date to $5,900.
Each year, the Sandpoint Lions set s $50,000 goal — the same as it has been in past years — to buy Christmas gifts for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between.
The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, 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; the Ponderay Starbucks, and the Ponderay Mountain West Bank.
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