SANDPOINT — If you wander your mouse over to brainyquote.com, and search for generosity, page upon page of quotes fill the screen, which is a refreshing thing to see.

It is a reminder that the human spirit is a beautiful thing and our love for each other shines bright, even when we think the flame has dimmed or extinguished.

Among my favorite quotes found on the site:

- “The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things.” (Thomas S. Monson, American clergyman)

- Kindness, tolerance, integrity, modesty, generosity — these are attributes that events permit us. They are our holiday moods, and we are as proud of them as of the fine clothes we have hung away to wear on occasions. (Ben Hecht, writer)

- True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share. (Suze Orman, American author and financial advisor)

It’s that spirit of generosity that’s found in ways both little and grand in the community that never ceases to inspire me. From those who need a few pennies to pay for more-than-expected groceries to those needing help to pay for a catastrophic medical bill, this community is like no other in how everyone responds to help out, no questions asked.

You need look no further than the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual Toys for Tots drive — the true embodiment of generosity of love.

Today’s donations add up to $3,100, bringing the total to $31,307.19.

Generous contributions were received from: Idaho Forest Group, $1,000; Pend Oreille Veterinary Service, $250; Smith Insurance Services, $200; Sally and Fred Park, $200; Randall and Darcy McDougall, $1,000; Norma Benda, $50; Doris Nuss and Kevin Reynolds, in memory of Orville, $100; Ron and Maryann Giddings, in memory of Sally Washburn, $100; Kathryn Winkle, $100; and Jeanette Schandelmeier, $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.

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 [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.