'Tots' making a paw-sitive difference
Paw-trol Officer Bolo has reported for duty.
The pit bull mix pup was only meant to show up at Kentucky's Hopkinsville Police Department for a day to during a visit by the local animal shelter in hopes of finding him a fur-ever home.
Part of the department's #PawtrolWednesday program, Bolo stole everyone's hearts after walking in the door, according to stories on the Good News Network and People websites.
"So the plan was every Wednesday, we would bring one of the dogs from the shelter here at the police department, let them interact with people, give them a little bit of advertisement on Facebook, social media, and hopefully help them find a home," HPD Police Chief Jason Newby said in a video on Facebook.
That was the plan, Newby said in the video. Then Bolo walked in the door and everyone on the staff fell in love.
"So when it came time for him to go back that day, they got him in his cage, and he kind of dropped his head and whimpered, and everybody's heart melted, and we decided to adopt him," Newby said.
Making up for lost time, the department's has been spoiling Bolo with treats, pizza crusts, and biscuits.
"Probably not the healthiest diet … they're just trying to spoil him right now," the police chief said.
Also wanting to do their fair share of spoiling are the Sandpoint Lions who want to make sure Christmas is merry for all local youngsters.
Today’s generous donations, totaling $605 comes from Shirley Mitchell, $35, "in loving memory of the past president of the Sandpoint Lions Club, Don Mitchell from Shirley Mitchell and family;" Kimberley Marshall, $70; and Northern Management Services Inc., $500.
To date, $31,655 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