SANDPOINT — It’s hard to say how much was in the coin jar at Connie’s when someone decided they needed it more than the Toys for Tots program.

It may have been a little. It may have been a lot. Lions Club officials aren’t sure. What they do know is that the folks at Connie’s weren’t about to take the theft lying down. The restaurant staff, owners and patrons quickly put together a fundraiser and a raffle for a snowboard and spread the word.

By the time the Friday fundraiser was over, the Connie’s crew and patrons had a sizable donation — thanks to the raffle and donations by its big-hearted customers — to give to the Sandpoint Lions Club for Toys for Tots.

Starting with Conrad J. “Connie” Balch, Connie’s Cafe got its start as a drive-in in 1952. And since those early days, the restaurant has been a community favorite for its friendly service, down-home food and community spirit. A spirit that you don’t have to look any further to see than how its staff and patrons responded to help out Toys for Tots.

The folks at Connie’s aren’t alone. Similar stories of generosity can be found at every business in the community, from Litehouse to Frontier Communications to Sand Creek Schweitzer Conoco, which every year, compiles money from its coffee sales and customer donations to give a very generous and sizable donation to the Toys for Tots drive. This year? Java sales and customers combined for a $2,000 donation.

Today, the Lions have received $3,592.31 in donations, bringing the total for this year to $40,952.45.

Today’s generous donations come from: Litehouse buttermilk employees, $109; Members of CWA Local 7620 and Frontier Communications employees, $150; Anonymous, $73.31; Knights Of Columbus Father Kelley Council 2888, $100; Daniel and Debra Butler, $75; Joseph and Mae Lapham, $50; Kendon and Judy Perry, $125; Sandra Peratos, $10; Rollie Oatman, $50; Sand Creek Schweitzer Conoco donations and coffee sales, $2,000; Larry and Joyce Anderson, $200; Denise and Michael Wilken, $100; Deborah Kain and Allan Bopp, $100; Dean and Jackie Kincaid (in memory of Andrew Dubnicka), $50; and Robert Myers, $400.

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.