SANDPOINT — The Bulldogs may have lost the inaugural “Battle for the Paddle” on paper but they’re winners in every other category — donating more than $7,000 to the Sandpoint Lions Club’s Toys for Tots Campaign.

While there are no donations to report today, the Sandpoint High School students’ annual drive to raise funds for the Lions’ Christmas program is owed major recognition. By the time the spirit competition with 4A rival Lakeland was over, the Bulldogs raised $6,936.44 — with an additional $100 from the Auld family and $50 from the Howard family for a total donation of $7,086.44 to help make the holidays merry for all local youngsters.

In the judged competition — which includes a basketball doubleheader, a wrestling dual, cheerleader, dance and band competitions among other things — the competition was so close it came down to the final boys basketball game, which the Hawks won on a 3-pointer in the final seconds.

The Hawks obtained possession of the decorated paddle, signifying each schools’ proximity to Lake Pend Oreille, with Sandpoint on the north end and Lakeland near the south end.

It’s not the first year the amazing teens at SHS have raised major money for Toys for Tots. It’s an annual tradition and a point of pride. The students work hard to raise as much money as they can for the cause, each year attempting to outdo the year before.

They are amazing young men and women with big hearts and kind souls and who care deeply about both their community and their fellow youth. Be sure to let them know what awesome people they are. They deserve all the recognition and accolades you send their way — and then some.

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