Donations, both large and small, added up in a big way once again, pushing the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign over its $75,000 goal!

Some donations came from coin jars — proving that spare change can add up to Christmas dreams coming true. Others came from folks in the community reaching deep to help others have a magical Christmas to ensure peace, love and understanding take center stage.

Some were the result of employee Christmas celebrations, others were from youngsters take a dollar or two from their own allowance to give to others.

Those donations, large, small and every amount in-between — all equally important, all adding up to another successful drive.

What is even more awesome is that donations continue to come in, which helped the Lions ensure all children in the area have a merry Christmas each and every year. Any extra money also will help the Lions make every dollar count so they can take advantage of toy sales and bargains, ensuring a jump start for the new year.

It is of no surprise to anyone who has lived in Bonner County for any length of time that the drive hit its goal once again. If someone needs something, sure enough someone will make sure they get what they need. Some calls for action come via social media and others through a good old-fashioned telephone tree as friends call their friends, who call their friends, who call … well, you get the picture. The call for action to help a neighbor in need doesn’t end until the goal is met and no one ever says no. The community, which extends throughout the county, takes care of its own with kindness, love and neighborliness.

From the Lions to everyone, thank you. Thank you for your caring, your generosity, and your willingness to help your friends and neighbors. Thank you for demonstrating, once again, the Christmas spirit. Thank you for making Christmas merry for all the community’s children.

Today's generous donations, totaling $855.84, come from: Norman Apfel, $10; anonymous, $50; Sharon's Hallmark, $95.84; William and Nancy McAdam, $100; Denise & Michael Wilken, $500; and anonymous, $100.

These donations, and like the others from the community — as well as  the many thousands of dollars in toys, Sandpoint Lions say the club has hit its $75,000 goal.

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.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118, or online at bit.ly/SandpointLions