SANDPOINT — If you’ve never taken the time to enjoy a few rounds of turkey bingo, you’re missing out.

Each year, the Sandpoint Lions head out to the Bonner Mall in Ponderay and take over the west end of the mall. Rows of tables fill the mall’s space, brightly colored dauber containers scattered up and down the tables covered with white construction paper. Entire families — from grandparents to grandkids — gather across from one another, bingo cards at the ready, daubers in hand, waiting for the caller to shout out the bingo numbers.

Groans and cheers follow each number as your card either has the number or not. Families laugh, share stories and point out missed numbers. Kids (of all ages) use the time in between numbers to make patterns with their daubers on the paper and Lions members stroll the aisles between the tables offering encouragement, extra cards and picking up unsuccessful cards.

Raffle prizes line the perimeter and cheers from the successful winners fill the air when it comes time to draw the names.

The Lions’ Toys for Tots turkey bingo is a special event — and one that never fails to draw a smile and fill my spirit with fun each time I make it out. And I’m not alone — each year, the community’s residents generously respond in full measure, packing the mall and raising money to help others.

Both days of turkey bingo were packed again this year, Lions Club members said, with so many people turning out that bingo players helped the Lions raise even more money than last year.

By the time the last bingo was called and the last turkey awarded — yes, real turkeys are given out as well as a host of other prizes donated by the generous merchants at Bonner Mall — a total of $2,292.17 was raised. That’s more than $360 more than last year.

Among those taking part, as they often have in the past, are Richard and Donna Hutter, who also made a generous donation of $500 through the Idaho Community Foundation.

Today, the Lions have received $2,792.17 in donations, bringing the total for this year to $11,002.17. Today’s generous donations come from: turkey bingo players, $2,292.17; and Idaho Community Foundation in Richard and Donna Hutter’s name, $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.