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Love, kindness drive 'Tots' campaign

by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
Staff Writer | November 23, 2023 1:00 AM

Kindness matters — just ask Sebbie Hall.

Hall, now 20, knew early on that he wanted to make a difference in the world. Kindness, he felt, was the answer to both connecting the world and combating the loneliness felt by the United Kingdom's disadvantaged and disabled youth.

For the past 18 months, Hall has been completing a random act of kindness every day — brightening the days of over 2,000 near where he lives in Staffordshire, England.

Hall and his family even launched the Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation, which aims to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable youth, according to the foundation's website.

"Sebbie, over the last two years, has taken on such an amazing, inspirational program, carrying out his acts of kindness which came out of Sebbie's friend not being able to communicate with him via lockdown," a family member said when Hall was presented with the ITV National Diversity Award in 2022. "Because he didn't have the communication and computers to do so. So Sebbie decided that he wanted to make sure nobody else ever felt left out, lonely, and unable to speak and community with their friends and others."

Hall, who has a rare chromosome anomaly, decided to raise money to help others by completing random acts of kindness. From walking dogs to washing cars to help others, Hall feels there is no limit to the difference that kindness can make, with the motto of "kindness is my superpower."

In addition to the NDA award, Hall was also named the U.K.'s kindest person and crowned the U.K.'s 2023 Kind Hero and had a statue created in his honor by KIND snacks, according to a story on goodnewsnetwork.com.

“So many selfless acts of kindness and such humility in a young person is extremely commendable," said actor and foundation patron Eddie Marsan at the unveiling of the statue. “Sebbie has touched so many people’s hearts with these acts and he is a huge inspiration. "I’m in awe of what a role model he is to other people.”

Like Hall, the Lions also are dedicated to helping others and delivering kindness. In the Sandpoint group's case, that kindness and love for others is demonstrated through the Lions' annual Toys for Tots drive.

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.

Because of that demand, the Lions opted to raise the goal for the community Christmas drive — something the club has debated for several years. Instead of $50,000 as in years past, the goal for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign is $75,000 — due to the number of people needing help.

"The need is greater this year, and we don't want any child not to get a Christmas present," she said.

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

In addition, the Cedar Hills Church congregation donates knitted hats, gloves, and quilts to add a personal touch to the Christmas gifts, Rader said.

Rader said the club will have a surprise for the parents to let them know they are supported and cared for as much as their children.

Instances of people taking advantage of the program are rare, Rader said. Instead, the opposite is the case, with many people opting not to participate because they are embarrassed that they need help.

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 at Columbia 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