SANDPOINT — With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town,

Not a child was unhappy, un-merry or down

The donations were counted, safe and secure

Thanks to a community that cares beyond words.

The Lions were gathered all safe in their den

While visions of toy stores beckoned again

Volunteers in their mittens, scarves and their boots

Were ready to help with the best Christmas pursuit.

Outside it was snowing, inside it was warm

Cheering and laughter were all quite the norm

As away to the stores, the Lions they dashed

To snap up Christmas gifts in more than a flash.

As they drove back from the store, presents in tow

The weatherman promises a hint of new snow

Back at the den, the presents were tallied

As once again the community had rallied.

There were enough gifts, the toy store was packed

With all kinds of gifts, now that’s just a fact

And thanks to donations, food was on hand

for the best Christmas dinner in all of the land.

Now, Lions! Now, people! Now, volunteers all!

Oh coin jars, oh businesses, thanks one and all

It’s all thanks to you that Jane has a STEM toy,

That Johnny has the gadget he’s wanted all fall!

As the campaign winds down after another great year

It’s time to let out one big hearty cheer

To all those who donated, helped and made sure

A merry Christmas is had by all, you can be assured.

Today's donations total $1,134.31 bringing the total amount of donations received to date to $47,157.34 of the $50,000 goal set by the Lions for the annual Christmas campaign.

Generous donations were received from VFW Post 2453, $500; Barbara Botsch, $150; Barnes Family, $40; Arnold Cox, $40; Anonymous, $160; And from coin jars: Arnie's Conoco, $116.06; Tam O Shanter, $28.25; Travel America Park, $100.

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.