'Tots' captures Christmas magic
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 3 months AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | December 19, 2020 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — Have you heard of “Christmas Day in the Morning” by Pearl S. Buck?
I have to confess I'd never heard of the book before I stumbled across it a comment a few years ago that the illustrated children’s book was one of the best examples of the meaning of Christmas. Curious, I hit the internet to see what I could find about WHY the book exemplified the holiday spirit. Without delving too deeply into the 40-page book’s plot and tale, illustrated by Mark Buehner, I’ll share the summation by goodreads.com: “Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year — something that shows how much he really loves him. But it’s Christmas Eve, and he doesn’t have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all …”
One reviewer on the site said the book, originally written by Buck in 1955, has been a family favorite to read each Christmas. “It is a beautifully written book — a rich and thoughtful exploration how a boy learns that a thoughtful and unexpected expression of love is the best and most lasting gift we can give,” she wrote.
Another writes that story that shows how love is truly the best gift that you can give your loved ones. “Love does not need any money or even effort, it just is and when it is, I guess it is easy to express. For most of us cynics out there, this is truly a lesson in loving and being loved,” the reviewer wrote. “‘Love alone can awaken love.’ I don’t think truer words have ever been spoken in relation to this wonderful sentiment.”
And maybe that’s what so powerful about the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual Toys for Tots drive. That simple expression of love, love for our community, love for its children, love for all. THAT is what helps the Lions every year reach its $50,000 goal to buy toys for that ALL children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District have a merry Christmas.
A prime example of the power of love can be found in Savannah Mort and her mom, Wendy Hansen Franck, owner of the Hoot Owl Cafe. Each year the cafe, its staff and a crew of volunteers — holds a spaghetti feeds to benefit Toys for Tots. This year, the annual feed — one of the few fundraisers for the annual Christmas campaign to survive the global novel coronavirus pandemic — raised $2,035. That brings the total amount of donations received to date to $30,722.75 of the $50,000 goal set by the Lions for the annual Christmas campaign.
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 2020 Toys for Tots program.
Applications are available at the Lions Den, 609 S. Ella St., Sandpoint, on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; online at the Sandpoint Lions Facebook page, facebook.com/SandpointLionsClub; or at Bonner Community Food Bank, 1707 Culvers Drive, Sandpoint. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, Dec. 14.
Masks are required to enter the Lions Den building or those dropping them off may also place them into the red box next to the door.
Toys may be dropped off at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint; Farmhouse Restaurant, 477227 U.S. 95, Ponderay; Columbia Bank — Sandpoint branch, 414 Church St.; and Ponderay branch, 300 Kootenai Cutoff Road; Walmart, 476999 U.S. 95, Ponderay; and North 40, 477181 U.S. 95, Ponderay.
There are a host of coin jars around the community where spare change can be donated. In addition, monetary donations may be dropped off at both branches of Columbia Bank and the Bonner County Daily Bee during normal business hours. 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.
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