There’s no place like home for the holidays, no matter how far away you roam.

By now you’re probably humming or singing the Christmas classic by Perry Como (or any of the versions that have followed by a host of performers throughout the years).

Written by Como’s frequent accompanist Robert Allen and lyricist Al Stillman, the pair were given just one day to come up with a holiday hit by producer Mitch Miller, according to Allen’s widow, Patty K. Allen. She told New Jersey’s Jewish Standard that her husband retreated to Rockefeller Center where, inspired by the ice skaters, wrote the music that afternoon. He then gave it to Stillman, who wrote the lyrics that night.

The song talks about how “home” makes the holidays special and notes that no distance is too far to travel to be a part of that celebration. That’s especially true in the greater Sandpoint area — no matter how far residents roam, the community is still “home” and they want to be a part of making Christmas special.

And among those making this community special are the folks at Sand Creek Schweitzer Conoco, who once again made a significant donation — $2,500 — to the Sandpoint Lions' Toys for Tots Christmas campaign

Today's generous donations total $4,900, bringing the Toys for Tots campaign total up to $37,648.52.

Donations were received from Barbara Sue and Steven M, Mulawka, $500; Sand Creek Schweitzer Conoco, $2,500; Lynda Roberts, $300; Thomas L. and Tracy Gibson, $100; Linda and Steven Schaffner, $200; Steve and Tamara Verby, $300; George Eskridge, “in memory of Jenise Eskridge,” $100; 

James and Susan Austin Revocable Trust, “in honor of Jimmy,” $150; Steven J. Shearer, $100; Carol G. and Gary R. Steinway, $200; and Members of CWA Local 7670 and Ziply employees, in memory of Ryan Moore and Russ Brisboy, $450.

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.

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. 

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.

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.