Never doubt that one person can make a difference.

Just look at the example of Dane Best a few years ago upon learning that throwing snowballs in Severence, Colo., was officially on the naughty list. The 9-year-old didn’t think it was right that he couldn’t legally pitch a frozen sphere at his younger brother in a classic, no-holds-barred snowball fight. (No word on what his brother felt about his sibling’s plan to fight for the legal right to wing a snowball or two — or more — at him.)

The ban is technically part of a larger ordinance that was set in place more than 100 years ago, according to an Associated Press story a few years ago. The ordinance made it illegal to throw stones or missiles at any trees, people, property, or buildings, and according to Kyle Rietkerk, assistant to the Severance town administrator, snowballs fell under the “missile” category.

“All of the kids always get blown away that it’s illegal to have snowball fights in Severance,” said Rietkerk, according to the Associated Press. “So, what ends up happening is (town leaders) always encourage the kids with, ‘You have the power; you can change the law.’ No one has.”

Young Dane was stunned — and became determined to set things right. While Severance youngsters have thrown their snowballs in secret — after discovering the ban in early November, young Dane decided enough was enough. First, he gathered signatures from his classmates and encouraged them to write letters to the city council. He then made a presentation at the town board meeting, asking for the law to be changed.

Needless to say, the board members unanimously agreed to lift the ban on snowballs, as the AP story reports.

After Dane was given the honor of throwing the first legal snowball in a century, he told the Associated Press that he now plans on changing other outdated city laws before going on to become U.S. president.

Just like young Dane, you, too, can make a difference by donating to the Sandpoint Lions’ annual Toys for Tots campaign, which raises money to make Christmas merry for local youngsters.

Today’s generous donations, totaling $9,475, come from James & Susan Austin, $100; Mary L. Addison, $25 "In memory in name: Leo Addison;" anonymous, $150; MG Swan, $100 "In memory of Ed Swan;" anonymous, $100; Susan A Porter, $200 "in memory of John Porter;" Robert L Gooby, $100;

$49 "Given in loving memory of Baby Aaron on his 49th birthday. God Bless all the children;" Frank & Julie Jurenka, $200; anonymous, $1000; George Eskridge, $100, "in memory of Jenise Eskridge;" Jim Meneely, $100, "in memory of Jan Meneely;" Duane & Shannon Abromeit, $100, "in memory of Doug Abromeit and Sean Garvey, class of '65;"

Gregory Daiker Family Trust, Deborah Brown Trustee, $5,000; Tracey, Julie & Calli Filippini, $50; anonymous, $1; Beta Sigma Phi XP1412, $100; Horizon Credit Union, $500 "Gift from God;" Dover Bay Marina, $750; and Waterfront Property Management LLC, $750.

Also, to give credit where it is due, a $250 donation should have been credited to the Women's Thursday Pinochle Group.

To date, $31,050 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