In Britain and other United Kingdom countries, for those who served the wealthy back in the day, Christmas came the day after.

Because the servants were busy making Christmas merry for those they worked for on Christmas Day itself, it became the custom for each servant to receive a box with gifts, maybe a bonus and sometimes, leftover food.

According to Wikipedia, that tradition of giving money and other gifts to those in need date to the Middle Ages. While the exact origin is unknown, it is believed the tradition is connection to alms boxes placed in areas of worship to collect donations to give to the poor. The online encyclopedia also notes the tradition may be linked to a late Roman/early Christian era custom where metal boxes were placed outside churches to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of St. Stephen.

St. Stephen is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. One of seven deacons, he was appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community, Wikipedia notes.

The website notes that in the Eastern Orthodox Church, those which follow the Byzantine Rite, and in Oriental Orthodox churches, the feast day is celebrated Dec. 27 ­— the third day of the Christmas season, the day is sometimes referred to as the “Third Day of the Nativity” because it is the third day of the Christmas season, Wikipedia notes.

But back to Boxing Day, and the traditions of giving to others to make sure Christmas is merry, the day serves as a good reminder that helping others isn’t limited to one day. It’s something that can take place every day, all year round.

So because Christmas came early this year, at least in relation to Thanksgiving and the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual kickoff to Toys For Tots drive, we’re going to continue the stories through New Year’s Eve. So, if you can, donate what you can and help the Lions help our children have a merry Christmas.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. Right now, the total sits at $32,239.81 and I know, because this is Sandpoint, because this community is special, that before the new year dawns, the goal will be met.

So, if you can, please donate and help the Lions keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long.

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.

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.