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Lions kick off 'Tots' campaign

by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
Staff Writer | November 29, 2024 1:00 AM

No one should be without the magic of Christmas.

Fortunately in Bonner County, Santa gets a little help in ensuring that magic is front and center for everyone through its annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Through the campaign, the Lions — with the community's help — raise funds to ensure every child in the Lake Pend Oreille School District has the merriest of Christmases. Each child who signs up for the program receives either Christmas gifts or gift cards, depending on their age.

Kicking off the Lion's campaign is its annual Turkey Bingo fundraiser, packing 60 games of bingo across two days alongside a variety of raffles and drawings. All funds raised at the event go toward the Toys for Tots campaign.

Helping the Lions with this year's location was Sandpoint High School and the Lake Pend Oreille School District, which hosted the club at the school to ensure ample space for bingo players.

"The Sandpoint Lions Club volunteers were so excited to see the crowds at this year's Turkey Bingo," club president Janice Rader said. "The support from our community was uplifting. The generosity from our bingo players — from grandparents to grandchildren — was impressive."

Among them were Autumn Porter and daughter Lauren who turned out to play a few games of bingo, have some fun and help the Lions.

"I like that it is a fundraiser for Toys for Tots and she wanted to get out of the house on a rainy day," Autumn Porter said.

Like her mom, Lauren Porter said she liked that the event helps Toys for Tots. Adding to the excitement was the youth winning a bingo game, enabling her to select a prize.

"It's a win for everyone," Autumn Porter said. "I think it's super fun … we've never played 'real' bingo before. We've only done bingo at home so it's our first daubing experience."

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.