SANDPOINT — Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition — millions either watch it on television or travel to New York City to watch the massive balloons make their way around the city.

The parade got its start in the 1920s, according to Wikipedia, when Macy’s store employees wanted to celebrate both Thanksgiving and their new country with the type of festival found in Europe. The employees marched to Macy’s flagship story on 34th Street, dressed in brilliant costumes. Joining them were floats and bands — even animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. At the end of that first parade in 1924, Santa Claus was welcomed into Herald Square.

A few years later, large animal-shaped balloons, produced by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, replaced the live animals. The first ever character balloon was Felix the Cat in 1927, according to Wikipedia.

By 1930, more than a million people lined the parade route as the parade continued to grow. By 1934, the first Mickey Mouse balloon entered the parade and the festivities made their debut on radio stations in New York City in 1932 and on television in 1948.

It’s a tradition that both charms and entertains, filled with the holiday spirit and for many is the true kickoff of the holiday season.

But in the greater Sandpoint area, that honor belongs to the Sandpoint Lions’ annual Toys for Tots drive — which brings Christmas to more than 900 children who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

And, thanks to the community’s generosity, the fund has sailed past the halfway point and there is no doubt in my mind that the community will hit the Lions’ target goal again this year.

Today’s donations add up to $3,292.77, bringing the total to $28,207.19.

Generous contributions were received from: Millie M Rinker, $25; love from Shirley Mitchell & family, in memory of Don Mitchell, Lions Club past president, $25; anonymous, $50; Allan Bopp & Deborah Kain, in memory of all our friends & relatives who have passed, $100; Ace Septic Tank Service, Vern & Pam Caven, $100; Barbara Buchanan & Rick Dalessio, $150; Jacqueline Windju, $100; Sharon’s Hallmark, $350; Dover Bay Marina, $250; Waterfront Property, $750; Kelly A. Czap, $1,000; Debra Moy & Steven Hein, $250; SWAC, $42.77; and Rufayne G. Legget, $100.

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 History Museum.)

The Lions Den will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 18, 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 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.

Toys for Tots 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 and indicate that.

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

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.