SANDPOINT — I was meandering my way around the internet a while back; I can't even remember why.

But that really isn't what is important. What is important is what I found during that "click here, wander there" meander. During the digital journey, I stumbled across a website, where a very passionate group of fans made the claim that "Christmas Day in the Morning” by Pearl S. Buck exemplified the true meaning of Christmas. I'd never heard of the book before and, I have to confess, I was intrigued.

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. “The story is about a boy, who even after becoming a man, remembers a Christmas when he truly realized the meaning of loving and how it was the perfect gift for his father, they wrote in the review.

“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 it’s $50,000 goal to buy toys for that ALL children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District have a merry Christmas.

Share a little love and contribute if you can.

Today’s donations add up to $3,415, bringing the total to $17,512.43.

Generous contributions were received from: Susan Porter, (in remembrance of John Porter), $200; in loving memory of Lions Club Past President Don Mitchell, love from us all, Shirley Mitchell and family, $30; in loving memory of William Johnson, beloved son, brother, and nephew. Merry Christmas, the Johnson Family, $500; Mark and Janice Johnson, $100 (Sparkle and Magic with a smiley face emoji); Charleen and Roger Berget, $25;

Shirley and Kevin Stevens (in memory of Richard Stevens and Crystal (Stevens) Gantenbein, $100; anonymous, $200; anonymous, $10; Steve and Linda Schaffner, $200; Byron and Kelly Ruen, $1500; Knights of Columbus Father Kelly Council No. 2888, $100; Carl Hanson and Judith Lyding, $100; and Sharon's Hallmark, $350.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years. The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

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.

The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

If you know someone, or need help yourself, the Lions are taking applications for the Toys for Tots program. Applications are available at Bonner Community Food Bank and on the door of the Lions Den.

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; the Ponderay Starbucks, and the Ponderay Mountain West Bank.

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