Help needed to reach 'Tots' goal

SANDPOINT — “Home Alone”? “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”?

How about “It’s a Wonderful Life”?

When it comes to holiday movies, nothing says Christmas like any one of hundreds of holiday movies found on every television channel and streaming service out there.

A new poll of 2,000 Americans who celebrate Christmas found watching the season's movies was their favorite way to celebrate and get into the spirit of the holidays.

According to a story on the Good News Network website, watching Christmas movies was a fan favorite of 72% of Americans.

The favorite movie to watch is "It's a Wonderful Life", 43%; followed by "A Charlie Brown Christmas", 42%; "Home Alone", 42%; "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", 35%; "The Polar Express", 32%; "A Christmas Story", 31%; and "White Christmas", 30%).

Leading the vote for favorite holiday character was Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone", 30%. Tim Allen who plays the jolly old elf himself in "The Santa Clause" came in a close second at 29%.

As for top television favorites"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was far and away the top choice at 60%, followed by "Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town", 37%; an episode of "Friends" (“The One With the Holiday Armadillo”) at 19%, and an episode of "South Park"(“Christmas Snow”) at 14%.

While more than 60% of those survey said the holidays are stressful, watching the holiday movies makes them happy and reminds them of what the season is about.

While no new donations were added today, the total amount of donations equals $30,930.78 with less than a week to go before Christmas.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys 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