SANDPOINT — Davon Woods and his twin brother, Tavon, grew up in the foster care system.

Their mother was addicted to crack, prompting the state to take them and place them in foster care at birth, the pair posted on the website of Foster Kids Matter, a nonprofit they founded to support youth in the foster care system.

But because they had grown up with the uncertainty, the two decided that just sharing their story wasn't enough. They wanted to literally "walk the walk," as well. They were adopted by a South Carolina couple who turned out to be abusive, according to the brothers. 

The pair have their sights set on walking at least 20 miles in all 50 states.

According to the couple's GoFundMe fundraising page, the journey is a true labor of love. It is an effort to let foster children know they are not alone, are loved and have not been forgotten by a "broken foster care system."

"Listen, guys, it’s not easy but we gotta get it done. My foot hurts, but you see on my shirt, foster kids matter," the brothers said. 

The brothers said on the crowdfunding site that they are going the extra mile — literally — to raise money and spread awareness for kids in foster care 

"We experienced so much hurt, so much pain, so that’s kind of why we’re doin’ what we’re doin’ now," Davon Wood said.

So far, the brothers have walked in 12 states and have 38 to go.

Like Davon and Tavon, the Sandpoint Lions are willing to walk the extra mile — albeit, in their case, figuratively more than literally.

While no new donations were added today, the total amount of donations equals $30,930.78 with less than a week to go before Christmas.

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 for 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.

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