SANDPOINT — It’s a tradition beloved across the country as millions either watch it on television or travel to New York City to watch the massive balloons make their way through the city.

The parade got its start in the 1920s, according to Wikipedia, when Macy’s store employees wanted to celebrate both Thanksgiving and their new country with the type of festival found in Europe. The employees marched to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street, dressed in brilliant costumes. Joining them were floats and bands — even animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. At the end of that first parade in 1924, Santa Claus was welcomed into Herald Square.

A few years later, large animal-shaped balloons, produced by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, replaced the live animals. The first ever character balloon was Felix the Cat in 1927, according to Wikipedia.

By 1930, more than a million people lined the parade route as the parade continued to grow. By 1934, the first Mickey Mouse balloon entered the parade and the festivities made their debut on radio stations in New York City in 1932 and on television in 1948.

It’s a tradition that both charms and entertains, filled with the holiday spirit and for many is the true kickoff of the holiday season.

But in Sandpoint, that honor belongs to the Sandpoint Lions’ annual Toys for Tots drive — which brings Christmas to 1,000 or more children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

Today, generous donations totaling $100 were received from June and Steven Temple.

These donations bring the total amount to $17,784.80 in this year's Toys for Tots campaign to continue this beloved Christmas tradition.

Each year, the Sandpoint Lions team up with local businesses and the community through its Toys for Tots program to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas.

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.

The Lions started taking applications earlier this month, and Rader said demand for the program is already well above last year's total, with a sharp increase in the past two years compared to past years. In the past two years, the club has received hundreds of new applications in the first week they were accepted — 100 additional in the first week applications were accepted in 2023 and 150 this year.

Because of the greater need in recent years, the Lions raised the goal for the community Christmas drive to $75,000 — to better reflect 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. 17. 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. Those interested can also drop off donations at area banks and Mr. Sub, 602 N. Fifth Ave. in Sandpoint.

Community members can also help out by volunteering to help the Lions Club or, even better, Rader said, join the club as a member.

Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864, or dropped into any one of multiple coin jars located around town. Donations should include a note that it is for Toys for Tots and, 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.