Community's elves help 'Tots' drive
“The Gift of the Magi” has to be one of my favorite holiday tales.
The classic tale by O. Henry (the pen name of William Sydney Porter) tells the story of a young married couple living in a small apartment. Without much money, they have two prized possessions: Del-la’s long, flowing hair that a queen would envy and Jim’s shiny gold watch, which had belonged to his father and grandfather before him.
It’s Christmas Eve and desperate to find gifts for each other, the pair make selfless decisions. Della sells her hair to raise enough money to buy a pocket watch fob chain for her husband’s watch. Jim sells his watch to buy beautiful jeweled combs for Della’s hair, combs she’d been dreaming over forever but knowing they would never have enough.
Uncharacteristically late, Jim finally walks in the door and gives Della her present, of little value with her hair now short. Della then gives Jim his present, a chain of no use since he no longer has the watch.
The pair realize that their love for each other is what matters and how priceless a treasure it is.
That priceless love can be seen every day in this community, no more so around Christmas time, when everyone gives what they can, some a little, some a lot to the Sandpoint Lions’ annual Toys for Tots drive — all with the same boundless love that Jim and Della have for each other in “The Gift of the Magi.” The only thing that matters is making sure everyone has a merry Christmas, one filled with love.
Today’s generous donations, totaling $1,495, come from Julie Frank, $50; Michael and Marion McNulty, $100; Knights of Columbus Father Kelly Council No. 2888, $100; Jacquelyn and Christin Knechtges, $50;
Walter and Patricia Bauer, $100, "in memory of Eddy Bauer;" Jim and Rhonda Parsons, $100; Rufayne Gail Legget, $100; Gary, Barb, Tilly and Percy Ridley, $25; Sandpoint Gun Club, $100, "in memory of Jerry Lowery;"
Barbra Buchanan and Rick Dalessio, $200; David and Joan Milbrath, $100; Earl Oatman Jr., $100K and J Inc., Kendon H. Perry and Associates, $150; Jeffrey and Alesia Leblanc, $20; Bill, Nancy and Steve, $300, "in loving memory of Jennifer."
To date, $40,724 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