SANDPOINT — Sometimes merry Christmas is spelled B-I-N-G-O.

At least when the Lions Club is involved — and the games involved are the club's annual Turkey Bingo, a fundraiser that kicks off the club's annual Toys for Tots Christmas drive.

"It's an integral part of our program," Janice Rader, Sandpoint Lions Club president, said. "It also lets the community know that it's time for Toys for Tots, and we need the community's help to make it a success."

This year, the event is being held at Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., on Friday, Nov. 17, and on Saturday, Nov. 18. On Friday, games will be played from 6-8 p.m., with 10 games held; and on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2-6 p.m., when 20 games are held. In addition, a silent auction will be held Saturday with a variety of items available for bid as well as a raffle with quilts donated for the event by the Cedar Hills Church congregation.

Cheeseburgers and corndogs will also be sold to help raise funds for the Toys for Tots drive.

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 Rader said demand for the program is already well above last year's total, with 100 more applications submitted during the first week than in 2022.

"There's a greater need for Toys for Tots than ever before," the Lions Club president said.

Because of that demand, the Lions opted to raise the goal for the community Christmas drive — something Rader said the club has debated for several years. Instead of $50,000 as in years past, the goal for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign is $75,000 — due to the number of people needing help.

"The need is greater this year, and we don't want any child not to get a Christmas present," she said.

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

In addition, the Cedar Hills Church congregation donates knitted hats, gloves, and quilts to add a personal touch to the Christmas gifts, Rader said.

"Every time one of the groups or businesses donates a personal item like that, it makes me feel so touched that they think of our program and the community's youth. It is very special for kids to get something personal and filled with love," Rader said.

Rader said the club will have a surprise for the parents to let them know they are supported and cared for as much as their children.

Instances of people taking advantage of the program are rare, Rader said. Instead, the opposite is the case, with many people opting not to participate because they are embarrassed that they need help.

"Parents who use the program tell us they feel lost and sad that they have to use our program," she said. "We want them to know that they are special and it's OK to ask for help."

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 at Columbia 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

    A bingo player at last year's Turkey Bingo laughs while waiting for her numbers to be called. The Sandpoint Lions Club is holding its annual fundraiser Friday and Saturday as it kicks off its annual Toys for Tots Christmas drive.