SANDPOINT — A community auction made a successful return — and raised a massive amount for Toys for Tots in the bargain.

Among the popular items was a framed “ Elect John Conlan for Mayor” poster that has circulated in through the local auction scene since the 1990s. Other items included a 10-night stay in Hawaii, Spokane Indian tickets and a Schweitzer Mountain Resort ski pass. A drawing for a quilt donated by Debbie Clark also proved to be popular.

When all was said and done, the auction raised $6,547.32.

“(The auction) is something we wanted to bring back,” Kim Haworth, who owns Ol’ Red’s along with Brandon “Taco” Reinbold, said in the days leading up to the auction. “It used to happen here back in the day.”

Lions members said helping out at the event was a lot of fun and praised the hard work that went into the event by Ol’ Red’s owners and employees,. All of that effort and dedication to the Toys for Tots program by the crew made the event tremendously successful and will go a long way to helping the community’s children have a merry Christmas.

Today’s total is $6,943.32, bringing the total (minus the SHS Battle for the Paddle funds) to $11,376.21.

Generous contributions were received from: Gregory and Betsy Walker, $150; Thompson Lawn Care (Paul and Nancy Thompson), $100; Tom & Barbara Spade (in memory of Jerry Spade, Lions Club member), $100; Clark Fork Beverage coin jar $46; and Old Red’s Pub auction, $6,547.32.

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.