SANDPOINT — As they were setting up for their annual turkey bingo fundraiser, the Lions put out 170 chairs. Why not, they thought; best to make sure there’s a spot for everyone.

It’s a good thing they did. Friday night, just about every chair was packed full of bingo players having a great time and helping the Sandpoint Lions Club raise money for their annual Toys for Tots program. Saturday was almost was packed with full tables the order of the day.

Thanks to the Bonner Mall Trade Association, there were prizes aplenty — the mall businesses all donate gift certificates as prizes for the games so the Lions Club doesn’t have to do so. That means all the money, once expenses are deducted out, all goes to their campaign to ensure every child in the Lake Pend Oreille School District has a merry Christmas.

This year, the Lions raised a whopping $2,842.89 through turkey bingo — more than $550 over last year’s total, which was $360 over the total from the year before that.

If you were there, thank you. Your generous contributions helped make this one of the most successful turkey bingo fundraisers that the Lions have held. If you’ve never taken the time to enjoy a few rounds of turkey bingo, you’re missing out. 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, and Lions members stroll the aisles between the tables offering encouragement, extra cards and picking up unsuccessful cards.

Other donations that need a mention include Donna Hutter, who donated $1,000 in honor of Mary Zindler, a special longtime community resident who loved the library and kids. In addition, major kudos to the amazing kids at Sandpoint High School — they raised more than $7,000 — at their annual Battle for the Paddle last year. (More on them all another day)

Today’s total is $11,519.33. Generous contributions were received from: Sandpoint Eagles (late donation), $200; SHS Battle for the Paddle, $6,936.44 (with an additional $100 from the Auld family and $50 from the Howard family for a whopping $7,086.44 from the annual basketball competition); Roberta & Loren Witt, the Canadian winners of the Bonner Bucks prize in the Lions’ Fourth of July raffle, $100; anonymous, $20; Edward & Jeanne Bock, SHS boys soccer, $100; Paula and Ryan McGinty, $50; anonymous (given at Turkey Bingo), $20; Mac’s wife, in memory of Mac McKenzie, $100; Donna Hutter in memory of Mary Zindler, $1,000; and Turkey Bingo, $2,842.89.

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.

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