While the past year (and change) have brought a lot of changes and uncertainty, there are many things for which to be grateful.

Among them is this community — and the embodiment of the community in the form of the Sandpoint Lions Club and their dedication to events which celebrate the people and businesses that make this area special.

With the Fourth of July just days away, now is the time to jump in and help the Lions put on the best celebration this community has every seen. So to give you some tips, here are a few ways to help out:

1. Dig through your purse, change drawer, or couch seat and drop the change by the Lions or at the Bee.
2. Instead of buying a candy bar or a coffee at your favorite location, donate that money to the Lions instead.
3. Donate $5 (or any amount of your choosing) and challenge your friends and acquaintances on social media to match your donation.

A case in point is today's generous donations of $280 from local community members,including Helen Newton and her husband Skip.

"We've watched the Lions work tirelessly for over 60 years now to benefit our community," the Newtons wrote in a card they dropped by with their donation of $60. "This is a token of our appreciation for all of the 4th activities we have enjoyed."

Generous donations also were received from Sue Olson, $20; R. and Kerri Bill, $100; Don and Sue Helander, $100. The donations bring the the total amount received to date to $11,775 of the Lions' hoped-for goal of $25,000.

While the club has the funds to cover the costs of the parades, celebration, and fireworks show, they're looking to make them bigger and better than ever.

And that's where you come in. Please consider donating to the show and make this a safe and memorable Fourth of July for everyone.

Those donating to the Independence Day celebration will be named in future columns. If you would like to be anonymous, please indicate that on your donation or let the Lions Club know.

This year, the theme for Fourth of July parades is "It Takes a Community" and the event will showcase the many local businesses which impacted by the pandemic, and celebrate the community and all residents, Lions Club officials said.

Applications are being accepted for the Grand Parade, and will be until the morning of the parade.

The children’s parade will start at 9 a.m., and the Grand Parade will begin at 10 a.m.

Although overall fundraising for this year is limited due to the short turnaround time, Lions Club officials held a raffle in 2019 to pay for 2020 fireworks, which were then run by Sandpoint Independence Day, Inc. instead.

Those funds, in addition to community donations, will be used for the Fourth of July events.

Those who wish to contribute to the July 4 fundraising can do so by clicking the donation link on the Lion’s Facebook page or dropping off donations at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St.