SANDPOINT — There are few things that instantly bring to mind Christmas and all its magic and wonder.

Stars, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes make the list as do candy canes. According to worldofchristmas.net, the candy cane is among the most popular and visible signs of Christmas. “The candy cane is simple, eye-catching, and what’s more, it’s tasty,” the website notes. “Though candy canes come in many flavors, the most popular and common flavor is peppermint and cinnamon.”

Candy canes are used to decorate just about everything, from entire rooms to cakes to Christmas trees.

While tasty AND festive, the red-and-white striped candy also features an interesting story as to how it originated.

It is widely believed that the candy, which earlier was straight as a stick, was given its distinctive J-shape by a German choirmaster, the website said.

“It is said that during service one evening, the children were being very loud and noisy, creating quite a ruckus and not paying any attention to the choirmaster. To keep them quiet and still for the nativity ceremony, he gave them a long, white, sugar candy stick,” it notes. “Since giving chocolates and candies at church was considered sacrilegious, he bent these sticks at one end to make them look like a shepherd’s cane and thus, attached a religious significance to them.”

“In Christianity, Jesus is regarded as the Good Shepherd and so, the staff is considered to be a sacred symbol. The staff also represents the shepherds who came to visit the infant Jesus.”

A simple treat, a beautiful decoration and a symbol of the holiday — just like the Sandpoint Lions are a symbol of the holidays in this part of the woods. Each year, the Lions strive to raise $75,000 to ensure a merry Christmas for the children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. And, each year, the generous folks of the community respond.

With just a few days before Christmas, we are still far away from this magical number, but I know this community will respond and we will get there.

Today's donations added another $245 to the drive, bringing the total to date to $47,067.52 of the drive's $75,000 goal.

A generous donation was received from The Hive.

If you haven't donated and would like to do so, please do. Every penny, every dollar adds up and if we all pitch in, we can make this, once again, a successful Toys for Tots campaign. 

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 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.