SANDPOINT — A generous anonymous donation is helping the Sandpoint Lions with their annual Toys for Tots drive.

It’s not one that will show up on the shelves, or help the Lions buy more toys, but without it, they would have a hard time organizing and storing the toys they need to complete their mission as Santa’s helpers.

The owners of AAdas Portable Mini Storage had donated the use of two storage units to the Sandpoint Lions for several years. However, this year they decided to sell the units. After getting the news, the Lions voted to purchase both of the units and notified the owners.

A few days later, the Lions told the units were theirs — but not to worry about the bill. An anonymous donor or donors — they don’t know who and the facility’s owners were sworn to secrecy — purchased the units for the Lions.

“The Lions appreciate this generosity,” said president Judy Dabrowski. “We want to thank them and all the other donors to the Lions Club, whether it is for Toys for Tots, the Fourth of July or any other function the Lions Club sponsors.”

Today, the Lions have received an amazing $2,925 in donations, bringing the total for this year to $12,557.17.

Today’s generous donations come from: anonymous, $100; Larue Hiatt, $50; The Whitehead Family, $500; Doreen Dugan, $25; Serve and Barbara Wilson (in memory of Todd Serve Wilson), $100; Marguerite and Thomas Suttmeier (in memory of Paul Gollim), $150

Barbara Buchanan and Rick Dalessio, $200; Leata Judd, $50;

The Bonner County Sportsman Association, $300; Duane and Marilyn Ward (in memory of Lion Dell Brown, who was a proud member for many years), $100; Dan and Patty McLaughlin, $50; anonymous, $100; anonymous (in memory of longtime Lions Club member John Hunt), $50; Jim and Julie Frank (in memory of Jim Lippi), $100; John and Susan Porter, $250; Talache Construction, Inc., $100; Steven and June Temple, $100; Brian and Kathryn Powell, $50; Charles and Margaret Johnson, $50; and The Injectors Car Club, $500.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in-between. 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 Monday, Dec. 19, 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 Judy Dabrowski, 208-290-5314.

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. Donations also can be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, P.O. Box 414, Sandpoint, ID, 83864

You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Kootenai Cutoff Road.

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.

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at:

Sagle — Stacey’s Country Kitchen and Travel America Plaza-Conoco.

Sandpoint — Farmin-Stidwell Elementary, Eagles, Sandpoint Fire Department, Columbia Bank, and Wells Fargo.

Kootenai and Ponderay — Columbia Bank, Bradley Insurance, North 40 Outfitters, and Samuels Store and Blue Heron Cafe.

Hope — Holiday Shores.