SANDPOINT — There probably aren't many people who love Christmas as much as Monika Orrey — or are as competitive when it comes to workspace decorating contests.

Orrey had only been at the job for two months as Christmas approached and the contest was announced. The financial services manager threw herself into the competition — and eight hours later, had turned her office cube into a life-sized gingerbread house.

According to the Good News Network website, Orrey used duct tape and cardboard — covered in brown craft paper to give it that gingerbread look — to construct the home. To make it a surprise for her new office mates, she came in on a Sunday to construct the masterpiece, GNN said.

“I consider myself very festive, or as my daughter would say, I am ‘extra’," Orrey is quoted as saying on the website. “I do indeed have far too many decorations at home according to my family but I know they love it."

So, when the contest was announced, the Oakley, California, resident was ready. She gathered her supplies, headed to the dollar store to gather items she could transform into candy and gingerbread decorations.

“I was at first concerned my new colleagues might think I was odd but soon remember that I am happiest when I am authentically me so I pushed right past any concerns and got to planning," the website quoted her as saying. "I wanted to do something big and incorporate my well-known sweet tooth, and what better than a giant gingerbread house?"

When her co-workers arrived Monday morning, the life-sized gingerbread house left them speechless. But Orrey said, it broke the ice and was soon the go-to place in the company for her co-workers to bring their kids and grandkids to come and see.

But did she win the contest.

According to GNN, despite stiff competition from others on the staff, Orrey's gingerbread house did indeed win the contest.

Like Orrey, Christmas is a magical time for the Sandpoint Lions. Not only do the Lions love the wonderful of the holiday, they are dedicated to making Christmas special for everyone.

They pour countless hours and energy and — along with this amazing community — raise enough money to ensure a merry Christmas for all.

To date, the annual Christmas drive has raised $37,528.27 of the Sandpoint Lion's goal of $50,000 for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by bargain shopping, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

Sign-up applications are available at the Bonner Community Food Bank and on the door of the Lions Den at 609 S. Ella Avenue right by the caboose in Lakeview Park. They can also be downloaded at bit.ly/3x7md4o.

Registration started Nov. 1 and ends on Dec. 17. Those filling out the application are reminded to be sure to fill out both pages and return your application promptly.

As last year, the application form includes information for parents to detail a wish list for each of their children as well as their favorite color and TV show or movie. This allows the Lions to fulfill as many wishes as they can.

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 Sandpoint branch, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way; and at the Ponderay and Sandpoint Starbucks.

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