'Tots' drive in final days

‘Twas a few days after Christmas, and all through the town,

Not a child was unhappy, un-merry or down

The donations were counted, safe, and secure

Thanks to a community that cares beyond words.

The Lions were gathered all safe in their den

While visions of toy stores beckoned again

Volunteers in their mittens, scarves, and their boots

Were ready to help with the best Christmas pursuit.

Outside it was snowing, inside it was warm

Cheering and laughter were all quite the norm

As away to the stores, the Lions they dashed

To snap up Christmas gifts in more than a flash.

As they drove back from the store, presents in tow

The weatherman promises a hint of new snow

Back at the den, the presents were tallied

As once again the community had rallied.

There were enough gifts, the toy store was packed

With all kinds of gifts, now that’s just a fact

And thanks to donations, food was on hand

for the best Christmas dinner in all of the land.

Now, Lions! Now, people! Now, volunteers all!

Oh coin jars, oh businesses, thanks one and all

It’s all thanks to you that Joe has a ball,

That Jane has the game she’s wanted all fall!

As the campaign winds down after another great year,

It’s time to let out one big hearty cheer

To all those who donated, helped and made sure

A merry Christmas was had by all, you can be assured.

But, with just a day or two left in the year, time is running out for the Lions to reach their $75,000 goal.

To help the Lions raise the needed funds to ensure every Christmas is merry for all the community’s youth, The Bee is keeping the drive going through New Year’s Eve.

There were no donations today.

To date, $51,609.87 has been raised toward the amount needed to ensure all local youth have the merriest of Christmases. 

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 families can buy what they need to make Christmas dinner.

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