Do you ever toss a coin into a fountain and make a wish?

It's fun to aim, close your eyes, let go and send a quick wish out into the universe.

If you've ever wondered what happened to all of those coins, they're typically donated to various charities and nonprofits in the communities where the fountains are located. In the case of the Trevi Fountain in Rome — into which, according to Wikipedia, an estimated $1.5 million in coins are tossed each year — the money is gathered and used to house, clothe and feed the city's poor.

Work on the foundation began in 1732 after the project was revived by Pope Clement XII. Finished 30 years later, the fountain depicts the taming of the waters, according to a story on the Good News Network website.

After the 1954 movie "Three Coins in the Fountain" came out, tourists began following a tradition popularized in the movie. It is said that if you stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, that you will return to Rome.

Since the movie's release, more coins were tossed into the fountain than ever before. But now, the coins are gathered up and given to a charity managed by the Catholic church, which uses the money to fund soup kitchens, homeless shelters, free supermarkets and other projects.

But, in Sandpoint, the wishes granted don't come from tossing coins into a fountain, they come courtesy of the Sandpoint Lions Club and generous donations from the community. Those "coins" (and dollars and checks) go to purchase gifts for local youth in the Lake Pend Oreille School District to ensure that every child has a merry Christmas.

Today’s donations add up to $1,120, bringing the total to $43,286.28.

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.

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