'Tots' drive slowly inching upward

As we quickly head toward Christmas — far faster than it seems like it should be — I can’t help but think of the “A Christmas Story” 24-hour marathon that plays on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on several Turner Broadcasting System stations.

Or you may even own a copy of the DVD and/or watch it (maybe) year-round on one of the many streaming services.

The 1983 American Christmas comedy film is based on Jean Shepherd’s semi-fictional anecdotes in his 1966 book “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash” with a few bits and pieces and other parts mixed ins from his 1971 book “Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories,” according to Wikipedia.

The now-classic movie is ranked as one of the best Christmas films of all-time­ — for me, it’s at the top; however for many, “It’s A Wonderful Life” is THE definitive Christmas movie, and I love it too.

The film tells the story of young Ralphie Parker who dreams of THE perfect Christmas gift — a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. At every turn, Ralphie’s dream is thwarted by the adults in his life with the stern warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

First his parents, then his teacher, everyone — even the Jolly Old Elf looks at Ralphie as he climbs back up the slide after panicking and blanking when originally asked what he wants for Christmas. “A football? You want a football, kid?” Ralphie’s mind goes blank and he nods. “Yeah, a football.”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Ralphie realizes in horror he hasn’t told Santa what he REALLY wants and struggles to climb back up the slide, making it to the top to ask for his beloved Red Ryder, he grins in hope, only to have them dashed when Santa Claus delivers his verdict: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”

Ralphie is dejected, his last hope gone.

Christmas morning arrives and Ralphie and his younger brother, Randy, dive into their presents. As Randy falls asleep in the heaping pile of presents, Ralphie’s dad, “The Old Man,” asks if he’d gotten everything he wanted. Ralphie is happy with the presents he’s received but admits he didn’t get everything. The Old Man then points out a present he’d hidden behind the tree. Ralphie opens it to find reveal the Red Ryder gun he wanted.

That night asleep in bed, young Ralphie is in bed with his trusty Red Rider cradled at his side as the adult Ralphie narrates that this was the best present he had ever received or would ever receive.

This year, as in the past, area residents have helped local youngsters to have their own Christmas dreams come true through the Sandpoint Lions Club’s Toys for Tots campaign.

Just like the Sandpoint Lions and their annual Toys for Tots drive, which continues to see donations come in to help meet the Lions’ goal. All the money will go to help buy presents for next Christmas — helping the community’s donations go even further at after-Christmas sales.

To date, the Toys for Tots campaign has raised $32,748.52.

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.