Admit it, when you see a penny on the sidewalk, you pick it up, right?

I know I do. I can’t seem to help it. I also can’t stop the childhood rhyme, “see a penny pick it up, the rest of the day you’ll have good luck,” from running through my head as I pick it up either. I’m sure the total amount of the pennies I’ve picked up over the years doesn’t add up to all that much. However, that’s not the case when we combine our pennies and that money goes to a good cause like Toys for Tots. The result is something pretty magical as those pennies add up to nickels and dimes, and those nickels and times add up to quarters and dollars.

Consider, for proof, today’s Toys for Tots donations, which feature a number of coin jar totals from around the community.

Each year, the coin jars housed in business from throughout the community garner anywhere from a dollar or two to $100 or more over the course of the Sandpoint Lions campaign.

So, my challenge is to you — when you get your change, as you’re standing at the cash register and you see the Toys for Tots jar, instead of putting it in your wallet or purse, toss it in the coin jar instead.

Adding together, small actions add up to big ones. And, together, we can have a tremendous impact in our little corner of the world by  donating to Toys for Tots today. Each dollar is wisely spent by the Sandpoint Lions to ensure local youngsters have a merry Christmas. Just think of how that joy will ripple into the future in the years that come.

Today’s generous donations, totaling $200, come from: anonymous, $100; and Douglas and Janice Mueller, $100.

To date, $13,150 has been raised. The goal for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign is $75,000, an increase over past years due to the number of people needing help.

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

Funds raised during the annual campaign go to purchase new toys for area children — or gift cards for older youth — who live in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Every Christmas, the Lions help almost 1,000 area children, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points in between.

In addition, the Lions give a gift card to a local grocery store so that families can get supplies for their Christmas dinner.

The Lions started taking applications earlier this month, and demand for the program is already well above last year's total, with 100 more applications submitted during the first week than in 2022.

The club is accepting Toys for Tots applications until Dec. 15. Applications are available on the Lions' website, and printed copies are available on the door of the Lions Club, 609 S. Ella Ave.

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 (checks and cashier's checks) at Umpqua Bank’s Sandpoint branch, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way; and at the Ponderay Starbucks. 

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 mention that in your 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, or online at bit.ly/SandpointLions