SANDPOINT — Tyler Perry just wanted others to have a merry Christmas.

An American actor, playwright, filmmaker and comedian, known for the television show, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and his “Madea” movies, Perry recently made news for something else — paying off the layaways at two Walmarts outside Atlanta, Ga.

It’s estimated that Perry, who is listed by Forbes as one of the highest paid men in entertainment, spent about $434,000.

“I know it’s hard times and a lot of people are struggling,” Perry said in an article on sunnyskyz.com. “I’m just really really grateful to be able to be in a situation to do this. So God bless you. Go get your stuff.”

In the story, Walmart’s Director of Media Relations LeMia Jenkins, said the actor covered the layaway costs for about 1,500 people.

“Tyler Perry’s generous donation is making an unbelievable difference for so many families, and we can’t thank him enough for his kindness,’’ Walmart said in a statement. “The heartfelt excitement and joy we’re seeing from our customers as a result of his holiday gift has been touching.”

Inspired by Perry’s act, Kid Rock paid $81,000 to clear off the balances of 350 layaway accounts at a Walmart store in Nashville, as well as radio host Glenn Beck, who paid off layawys totally about $27,000 at a Dallas, Texas, Walmart.

Simple gestures of kindness and compassion for others. While on a grand scale not often seen, it’s no different really than what local residents do by donating to Sandpoint Lions Club’s Toys for Tots campaign. Each and every dollar goes to buy toys and gift cards and parents are able to shop the Lions’ “store” to get just what their youngsters want.

Because everyone pitches in what they can — like Tyler Perry, Kid Rock or Glenn Beck — the resulting sum ends up being something amazing. Each year, the community donates over $50,000 — which due to the generosity of local businesses giving the Lions a great deal on the items purchased, goes as far as it possibly can.

Today’s generous donations of $2,225, bringing the total to $19,165.89, were received from: Water Systems Management Inc., $1,000; Jacquelyn Knechtges, $100; Ron and Maryann Giddings, $100 Bruce and Sue Vogelsinger, $100; David F. Mundell, $100; Sharon’s Hallmark, $350; Bonner County Sportsman’s Association, $300; Patricia J. Brown, $25; anonymous, $50; and anonymous, $100.

The goal for this year’s Toys for Tots 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 know someone, or need help yourself, the Lions are taking applications for the 2018 Toys for Tots program. Members are at the Lions Den, 607 S. Ella, on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, until Monday, Dec. 17 Applications are also available at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office, 207 Larkspur St., Ponderay.

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. You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s main branch in Sandpoint, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way.

Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

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.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118

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