Tuesday, April 01, 2025
36.0°F

'Tots' drive falls short of goal

CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 3 months AGO
by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | December 30, 2022 1:00 AM

For the first time ever, the Sandpoint Lions have fallen short of the club's $50,000 goal to make Christmas merry for all.

With the final donations received, the club raised $48,842.12 — just under $1,158 short of their target to raise the funds by the new year.

Today's donations total $2,768.09, bringing the total amount raised to $48,842.12.

Generous donations were received from: anonymous (for my sister and all you do), $100; Northern Management Services, Inc., $500; Hoot Owl Spaghetti Feed, $1,127.50; Hoot Owl coin jar, $125.26; anonymous, $25; Robert and Kerri Clark, $150; Don & Sue Helander, $50; Flying S. Title & Escrow of Idaho, $126.33; Taylor and Son's, $500; and anonymous, $64.

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 between

While the annual Christmas campaign up a bit short of its $50,000 goal, club members said some adjustments were made to ensure all youth got at least something for Christmas.

The generosity of the community to donate as much money as they did means the world to the club — and to the families which the Lions were able to help, Sandpoint Lions president Janice Rader. The club and its members — as well as the hundreds of families who were helped — are grateful to the community for donating to help those in need.

"Thank you seems so inadequate to express our gratitude about this community’s continued generosity and support of the Sandpoint Lions Club and the Toys for Tots program," Rader said. "This year was extremely difficult for many and we are pleased to say that we were able make Christmas a little happier."

If anyone would like to donate to the program, donations may be arranged by calling the Lions at 208-263-4118; or by mailing donations 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

MORE FRONT-PAGE-SLIDER STORIES

Late donations push 'Tots' past goal
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 2 years, 2 months ago
Spaghetti feeds set for Tots drive
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 4 years, 3 months ago
'Tots' total climbs
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 6 years, 3 months ago

ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER

Community garden set to bloom at 'The Woods'
April 1, 2025 1 a.m.

Community garden set to bloom at 'The Woods'

Effort underway to create garden near sled hill

Plans are blooming to create a community garden at the base of the Pine Street Woods sled hill.

Mitchell named DYW Sandpoint 2025
March 30, 2025 1 a.m.

Mitchell named DYW Sandpoint 2025

Mackenzie Mitchell has been named Sandpoint's Distinguished Young Woman 2025. Mitchell, a junior at Sandpoint High School, was selected for the honor at a March 22 program. She receives a $3,000 scholarship.

Dover shines spotlight on 'Hidden Heroes'
March 26, 2025 1 a.m.

Dover shines spotlight on 'Hidden Heroes'

City officials want to shine a spotlight — as well as say thank you — to all of the community's military caregivers.