'Tots' shines bright with community's love

| December 5, 2023 1:00 AM

There was something about the youth sitting by the door to his office.

Raven Whitaker, then in the sixth grade, was in trouble for throwing yogurt during lunch. It wasn't the first time that she'd gotten into trouble over the years, but this visit was different.

Sensing something different about the youth, Campbell County Middle School principal Jason Smith sensed something different was at play, according to a story on msn.com.

He asked her if she would have thrown the yogurt if she'd been at a restaurant. Matter of factly, Raven told Smith that she had grown up in foster care, the conditions weren't great, and she'd never been to a restaurant, the youth told the reporter.

"I was like, 'I've never really been to a restaurant. I don't really have a family; I'm in a group home,'" Raven said.

Smith and his wife, Marybeth, had been through infertility attempts and fostered kids who eventually returned to their biological families.

Despite the heartbreak of having to say goodbye each time, Jason Smith said that after hearing Raven's story, he had to help her. He talked to his wife, and she agreed; it wasn't long before they began the process of fostering Raven.

"They say that a mother falls in love with their child at first sight, and I can remember Raven walking into that room that day, that scared little kid, and I just knew in my heart, this is what's supposed to be," Marybeth Smith told the reporter.

In 2017, the Smiths adopted Raven, who now goes by Raven Whitaker-Smith. She is now a student at the University of Kentucky, where she is studying social work.

Like the Smiths, the Sandpoint Lions want to make a difference in the lives of the community's youth, albeit int their case, working to make Christmas merry for all.

With the community's help, the Lions' Toys for Tots drive provides free new toys for children in need who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. In addition, gift cards to get the fixings for a Christmas dinner are also given to families.

Today’s generous donations, totaling $2,970, come from Ted Farmin and Patty McDonnell, $100; Barbara J. and Norwood L. Robb, $500; Paul and Nancy Thompson, $100; Pamela J. and Jessica M. Lippi, $100, in memory of Jim Lippi, and Jerry and Phyllis Morris, love and blessings;

A AARON'S Self Storage, LLC, $250; A-1 Gooby's Self Storage, LLC, $250; Patrick S. Gooby Living Trust, $250; Robert A and Kerri Lee Clark, $150; anonymous, $100; Doreen Dugan, $50; Douglas J. Easton, $500;

Susan E. Johnson, $250, Juliette, Victoria and Rebecca Johnson, memory of our beloved brother William; Norma J. Benda, $100; Pamela M. Duquette, $50; Sherry L. Ennis, $100; Catherine Detzer, $20; and Donald L. and Shirley S. Moore, $100.

To date, $12,200 has been raised toward this year’s Toys for Tots campaign is $75,000, an increase over past years due to the number of people needing help.

To date, $9,230 has been raised. The goal for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign is $75,000, an increase over past years due to the number of people needing help.

The Lions make the most of the money by bargain shopping and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

Funds raised during the annual campaign go to purchase new toys for area children — or gift cards for older youth — who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Every Christmas, the Lions help almost 1,000 area children, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in between.

In addition, the Lions give a gift card to a local grocery store so that families can get supplies for their Christmas dinner.

The Lions started taking applications earlier this month, and demand for the program is already well above last year's total, with 100 more applications submitted during the first week than in 2022.

The club is accepting Toys for Tots applications until Dec. 15. Applications are available on the Lions' website, and printed copies are available on the door of the Lions Club, 609 S. Ella Ave.

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 (checks and cashier's checks) at Umpqua 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 mention that in your 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, or online at bit.ly/SandpointLions