SHS students kick off 'Tots' with style
You hear it all the time, "The kids these days ..."
Most of the time, the back end of the sentence is far from complimentary: "… don't appreciate what they have; "… don't want to work;" or "… are entitled."
Forget those complaints — older generations have always complained about "the kids." Instead, for the truth, look no further than the teens at Sandpoint High School, who every year, work to raise as much money as possible for Toys for Tots. These teens are caring, smart, compassionate and all-around amazing people. We're lucky to have them as our future.
For the past decade and more, the school's students, staff and clubs have adopted the Sandpoint Lions' Toys for Tots drive as their charity. They've consistently raised at least $10,000 each year, with this year marking the 19th collaboration between the SHS students and the Lions.
That means the students have donated roughly $250,000 during that time. Yep, you read that right: one-quarter of a million dollars.
"They make our future brighter because these programs are near and dear to their hearts because they go above and beyond to help these programs succeed," Janice Rader, Sandpoint Lions president, said.
The funds are generated during the annual Battle for the Paddle spirit competitions so that all money raised not only counts toward the competition but also helps the Lions' annual Christmas campaign.
Because the "Battle" isn't held until mid-January, the funds don't come in until after the Tots drive wraps up for the season. To make sure the SHS students get their proper due, the Lions are kicking off this year's Christmas drive with the students' Toys for Tots donation — a massive total of $13,659.80.
Please join the youth of our community in helping ensure all in the area 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.
The Lions started taking applications earlier this month, and Rader said demand for the program is already well above last year's total, with a sharp increase in the past two years compared to past years. In the past two years, the club has received hundreds of new applications in the first week they were accepted — 100 additional in the first week applications were accepted in 2023 and 150 this year.
Because of the greater need in recent years, the Lions raised the goal for the community Christmas drive to $75,000 — to better reflect 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.
In addition, the Cedar Hills Church congregation donates knitted hats, gloves, and quilts to add a personal touch to the Christmas gifts, Rader said.
The club is accepting Toys for Tots applications until Dec. 17. 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. Those interested can also drop off donations at area banks and Mr. Sub, 602 N. Fifth Ave. in Sandpoint.
Community members can also help out by volunteering to help the Lions Club or, even better, Rader said, join the club as a member.
Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864, or dropped into any one of multiple coin jars located around town. Donations should include a note that it is for Toys for Tots and, 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.