Band throwing party to help 'Tots'

If anyone knows how to throw a party, it's the Miah Kohal Band. 

Great music, a fun vibe and a good time that never wants to end. 

The only thing better than the band's music is their collective heart. 

For the past number of years, the Miah Kohal Band has held a party and invited the community to join in the fun for free. The only caveat? Bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots as well as a food item for the Bonner Community Food Bank. 

The band has lent its talents to a number of causes, working to give back to the community and help make it a better place. From Rock Out Cancer to its Toys for Tots fundraiser, Miah Kohal and company put the fun into fundraising. 

Friday, the band is taking center stage at The Hive, 207 N. First Ave., as it hosts its Toys for Tots fundraiser with the help of Ting Internet. 

The community is invited to come, have fun, and raise some very much-needed funds for Toys for Tots. With less than two weeks until Christmas Day, donations to the fund are running slow while the demand for help is higher than ever before. 

Today, donations totaled $1,380, bringing the amount received to date for this year's Toys for Tots drive to $22,635.39. 

Generous donations were received from Michael Winslow and Linda L Derr, $100; Bill and Jennifer Miller, $200; anonymous, $105; Steven L. and Deborah J. Crain, $100; Paul and Nancy Thompson, $100; in loving memory of Baby Aaron on his 50th! birthday. God bless all the children, $50; George W. and Mary V. Brewster, $100; Donald L. and Lori A. Morris, $200; Maurice J. and Linda K. Dunn, $75; David K. and Candace P. Tate, $150; Douglas P. Bradetich, $100; and Norma J. Benda, $100. 

Each year, the Sandpoint Lions team up with local businesses and the community through its Toys for Tots program to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.