SANDPOINT — Sweet treats added up to a delicious donation for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign.

When the employees of the Co-Op Country store held a bake sale, they raised $187.78 — the store matched the bake sale proceeds, boosting the store’s donation to the annual drive to $374.

And in another special donation, Linda donated $50 in memory of John Hunt, a longtime Lions Club member who presided as chief elf over the toy room for many a year. His love for the community — and for the community’s children — are remembered by many as is his determination to make Christmas a special time for children of all ages.

Slowly, but surely donations are continuing to climb as the Sandpoint Lions and their merry band of community helpers work to ensure a merry Christmas for all.

Today’s generous donations, totaling $1,534 were given by:

Pat and Elouise Rademacher, $100; Xi Eta Chapter Beta Sigma Phi, $160; John and Susan Porter, $250; Jack and Janice Debaun, $200; Thomas and Nancy Renk, $50; Jack and Shirley Parker, $200; Joyce & Larry Smith in loving memory of Kip Smith, $125; and Bernie Meeker, $25.

To date, $13,909 has been raised for the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots program. The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years.

The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. A Christmas dinner for the family is also provided.

Those who need help this year can apply at the Lions Den, 607 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint (west of Memorial Field next to the Bonner County Historical Museum.)

The Lions Den will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 16 so members can accept applications. Applications also are available at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office.

If you have any questions about Toys for Tots sign-up, call Nancy Lewis at 263-7796.

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 main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.

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 include a note.

If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys may be made at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St.; Northland Communications, 509 N. Fifth Ave., Suite 1B; Stacey’s Country Kitchen, 469000 Highway 95, Sagle; Washington Elementary, 420 S. Boyer Ave., Sandpoint; Farmin Stidwell Elementary, 1626 Spruce St., Sandpoint; Sagle Elementary, 550 Sagle Road; Southside Elementary, 1 Southside School Road, Cocolalla; Valley Vista Care, 220 N. Division Ave., Sandpoint; Sagle Fire Department, 2689 Gun Club Road, Sagle; Sandpoint Fire Department, 1123 Lake St., Sandpoint; Walmart, 476999 Highway 95, Ponderay; North 40, 477181 Highway 95, Ponderay; Washington Trust, 509 N. Fifth Ave., Suite E; Banner Bank, 605 Fifth Ave.; and at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.