Community helps make 'Tots' dreams come true
Concerned about those struggling during the pandemic, 12-year-old Isaac Winfield turned his garden shed into a a food bank.
The youngster, who lives in Redditch, a town in Worcestershire, England, wanted to do something to help those in need. Using his birthday money, Winfield started a food bank in 2020. It quickly grew to the point that his family bought the shed to store the hundreds of donated items, according to a story on the Good News Network website.
The family always donated to food banks and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Winfield would take donations to school so they could be given to people in need, his mom Claire told the reporter. A transfer to a new school, which lacked a similar program, meant a change in plans was required.
Hence the garden shed food bank. It would be followed by a second, third, and fourth garden shed food bank.
But Winfield wanted to do more. Putting aside a break-in of several of the miniature food banks, Winfield opened a "present bank" for families who are struggling, according to a story in the Mirror.
“He is absolutely ecstatic seeing his shelves full with toys and gifts for families," Claire Winfield said. "He has dedicated his weekends and spare time to helping. It is the best Christmas present he could have asked for. Isaac wrote to Santa this year asking if he could bring poor children presents instead — all he wants to do is help people."
Like Isaac, the Sandpoint Lions Club is in the business of helping people have the merriest Christmas possible. It is thanks to the community's help that they are able to make it happen through their annual Toys for Tots Christmas drive.
Today’s generous donations, totaling $1,605 come from Boyd Webb, $100; Steve & Linda Schaffner, $200; Sharon's Hallmark, $350; Ann Kritzeck, $100; Josephine Martin, $250; Shirley Parker, $200, "in memory of Jack Parker, from family;" Fred & Karla Darnell, $200, "in loving memory of Debbie and Fred Jr. from Fred and Karla Darnell;" and anonymous, $205, "in memory of Ryan Moore."
To date, $33,844 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.
Demand for the program is well above last year's total, with 100 more applications submitted during the first week than in 2022.
The last day to submit a Toys for Tots application for this Christmas was Friday, Dec. 15.
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