'Tots' inches closer to goal
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years 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 25, 2020 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — Chloe Marino had finished shopping with her 5-month-old son in tow and was in a rush to get home.
However, it wasn’t until one of the security guards from a Foodland grocery store in Kahului, Hawaii, knocked on her front door and handed her wallet to her that she realized she'd left it behind.
In a story shared on goodnewsnetwork.org, the guard — Aina Townsend — volunteered to take the wallet to Marino after spotting in shopping cart. When his shift ended, Townsend hopped onto his bicycle and rode three miles uphill to Marino's home.
Her husband, Gray was so impressed he posted an account of the good deed to his Facebook page.
“He literally rode his bicycle to return her wallet," according to a story about the post. "Completely full of everything important to her … Words cannot do this gentleman justice. He truly is what is right on our island and in this world.”
So inspired by the good deed, Gray Marino and friend Greg Gaudet set up a GoFundMe account to buy Townsend a car so he could get home quicker and spend more time with his family.
At first they hoped to raise a few thousand dollars, but as word spread on social media, the total quickly surpassed that goal and, as of Thursday morning, had reached almost $25,000. They hope that in addition to a car, they can also pay for insurance and gas for at least six months, the pair said on the fundraising site.
An act of kindness followed by another in return — one that can make a huge difference in someone's life. Similar to what the Sandpoint Lions Club does each year at Christmas with their Toys for Tots campaign.
Won't you help them make Christmas magic by donating today?
Today's donations total $605.05 bringing the total amount of donations received to date to $47,757.39 of the $50,000 goal set by the Lions for the annual Christmas campaign. In addition, Pierce Auto donated 10 bicycles from Greasy Fingers, Serv-A-Burger held a giving tree and raised over $500 worth of toys to donate to the club, and Erik Puthoff of Spokane Teachers Credit Union brought a carload of toys, blankets and books to donate to Toys for Tots.
Generous donations were received from anonymous, $260; Mr. Sub, $250; and Pierce Auto, $90.05.
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.
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.
ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER
IPUC approves Stoneridge water rate increase
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission recently announced that it would allow a northern Idaho water utility to increase the rates it charges customers to provide water service. While CDS Stoneridge Utilities initially asked for a rate increase that averaged 261 percent, the commission approved a general rate increase of 18.6 percent. The utility serves approximately 384 residential and commercial customers in the Blanchard area.
WBCSD elects board leaders
West Bonner County School District's new board chair and vice chair are familiar faces in new roles after trustees voted to install Ann Yount in the top post and Margaret Hall as vice chair. Hall was previously the chair and Yount was the vice chair of the board prior to the vote at Wednesday's annual meeting.
Panida exploring lobby renovations
Potential scenarios include everything from keeping the lobby as is with no changes, moving the concessions to the adjacent retail space, using the retail space for a bar, integrating the lobby space into the Little Theater and using the foyer area to expand the lobby.