“For it is in giving that we receive.”

Among the many stories told about Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone — more commonly known as St. Francis of Assisi — is the story of the beggar. As the story is often told, the young Francis was selling cloth and velvet in the market on behalf of his father when a man came to him begging for money. 

After his business deal had ended, Bernardino ran after the beggar and gave him everything in his pockets. He was mocked and ridiculed by his friends and rebuked by his father when he got home, according to an entry on Wikipedia.

One of three children of a prosperous Italian silk merchant and a French noblewoman, the youth was high-spirited and indulged by his parents. However, he became disenchanted with worldly riches and pleasures. Serving on a military expedition in 1202, he was taken prisoner and spent a year as a captive. An illness contracted during this time caused him to reevaluate his life. Despite his reflections, he returned to the pleasure-filled life of a wealthy young man. A few years later, it was during a journey to serve in the army of the Count of Brienne that the youth had a vision.

He returned to Assisi and dedicated his life to God and became known as Francis of Assisi.

Throughout his life, St. Francis was dedicated to living the life of Christ, and carrying out his work as Christ would have done.

His boundless love for others serves as an example to many — and maybe serves as an inspiration to help others this Christmas season through the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots drive.

Today’s donations add up to $100, with the first generous donation received from Linda Raynor.

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 more than 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.

Because of that demand, the Lions opted to raise the goal for the community Christmas drive — something 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 Lions make the most of the money by bargain shopping and with the assistance of generous local businesses. 

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