SANDPOINT — Their members are Marines, still.

That’s how members of the local Marine Corps League chapter put it on their Facebook page. Like others MCL chapters, the members are dedicated to their fellow Marines, looking out for them, helping them and being there for their brothers in arms, their families, and the community.

If there is a need somewhere, anywhere, the Marine Corps League members immediately ask what they can do. If it’s money, a check is sent out to the group. If it’s volunteers that’s needed, a group of Marines are sure to show up on the person’s doorstep and whatever needs to get done, is done, no questions asked, and no thanks necessary or wanted. The guys (and gals) in the bright red jackets are there because they believe deeply in making sure their fellow Marines (or soldiers, or community members, or, well, pick a group and you can bet that MCL members have helped out or donated to that cause).

The group is the only congressionally chartered Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States, tracing its official start back to a congressional charter signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aug. 4, 1937. Its origins, however, date back even further with the organization crediting its founding in 1923 to legendary Marine Corps Commandant John A. Lejeune.

According to its mission statement, the organization is dedicating to promoting “the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans.”

It’s no wonder, really, that local Marine Corps League members donated to Toys for Tots, sending $500 to ensure the community’s youngsters have a merry Christmas.

Today, the Lions have received $4,152.12 in donations, including the donation from the Marine Corps League, bringing the total for this year to $32,773.46. Today’s generous donations come from: Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1110, $500; Babe’s coin jar, $57; Hoot Owl spaghetti fundraiser, $804; Steve and Linda Schaffner, $100; Bill and Lola Bennett, $50; Lynda M. Roberts, $200; Randall and Darcy McDougall, $1,000; Larry and Cherri Berg, $100; anonymous, $200; Dave’s Truck Equipment Repair, $50; anonymous, $50; anonymous, $1,000; and anonymous (3-pound coffee can of pennies), $41.12.

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.