If you wander over to brainyquote.com, and search for generosity, page upon page of quotes fill the screen, something refreshing to see given today's political climate.

The comments  is a reminder that the human spirit is a beautiful thing and our love for each other shines bright, even when we think the flame has dimmed or extinguished.

Among my favorite quotes found on the site:

"Goodness is about character — integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people." (Dennis Prager, an American journalist)

- “The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things.” (Thomas S. Monson, American clergyman)

- Kindness, tolerance, integrity, modesty, generosity — these are attributes that events permit us. They are our holiday moods, and we are as proud of them as of the fine clothes we have hung away to wear on occasions. (Ben Hecht, writer)

- True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share. (Suze Orman, American author and financial advisor)

It’s that spirit of generosity that’s found in ways both little and grand in the community that never ceases to inspire me. From those who need a few pennies to pay for more-than-expected groceries to those needing help to pay for a catastrophic medical bill, this community is like no other in how everyone responds to help out, no questions asked.

You need look no further than the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual Toys for Tots drive — the true embodiment of generosity of love.

Today’s generous donations, totaling $3,275, come from: Anonymous, $100; Betty A Moreau, $100; Carole & Mike Markes, $100; Lynda M Roberts, $500; Paula L & Ryan McGinty, $50; G.J. Stockman, $25; Patricia Clayburn, $100; 

Steve & Tamara Verby, $300; Robert and Susan Puckett, $50, "in loving memory of our grandson Bryce Puckett";" Carol & Gary Steinway, $200; William & Janice Temple, $25; Maurice & Linda Dunn, $75; 

Judy & Terry Cravens, $50; Kim Keaton, $100; Dan & Yvonne Hull, $100; William Halamicek, $500; Jay & Linda Jones, $200; Donald & Lori Morris, $100; 

Doug & Linda Bottcher, $100 "In memory of Bernie Beyer and the Barnyard Critters;" and Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, $500, "in remembrance of our son, Tucker Taylor."

To date, $16,425 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