SANDPOINT — It’s hard not to feel inspired by “A Christmas Carol.”

Ebenezer Scrooge appears on the scene — grumpy, bitter and miserable at life. Focused on only material things and money, he has long forgotten the simple joys of love and family. He has turned his back on what truly is important in life, obsessed with counting every last penny — it is never enough and he becomes more bitter and more miserable as his life winds forward.

The novella by Charles Dickens (who knew its full title is “A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas?”) brings the reader into Scrooge’s life as he is at a crossroads — continue down the lonely, bitter road he is on or embrace the joy of Christmas, of family, and the future.

It begins with a visit from his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who admonishes him about the path he is on and where it leads and warns that the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come are on their way.

With each visit, Scrooge is forced to examine his life, and the choices he’s made. As the last ghost leaves him, Scrooge realizes what has been in front of him all along — that love, generosity and family are what is truly important.

Since he wrote it in 1842, “A Christmas Carol” has never been out of print, according to Wikipedia, and has been translated into multiple languages. It has been adapted numerous times for film, stage, opera and other media.

But what does this have to do with the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots drive? Lions members have long recognized the true joy of Christmas, of life, giving back to those around them, as did Scrooge following his visits from the ghosts. They know the spirit of the holiday is found in a young child, awakening on Christmas morning with a long-desired present under the tree — one they never expected to get.

Will you help them?

Among those already helping them are Darrell and Elena Brown, whose very generous donation of $100 was mistakenly reported as $10. Thank you both for your kindness and donation — because of you, local youngsters will have a merry Christmas.

Today’s donations add up to $300, bringing the total to $47,367.52.

Generous contributions were received from: Rik and Ann Gehring, $50; and Christina Bruse, $250.

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.