SANDPOINT — With days to go, the Toys for Tots drive is about $14,000 short of its goal of ensuring every child has a merry Christmas.

Because the Lions buy toys ahead, enough were on hand to ensure presents were under the tree. However, funds are needed to help the Lions again purchase ahead so that the community's children wake up to the magic of Christmas.

If additional funds do not come in, for the first time, the Lions will not hit its goal. 

A few years ago, it was close. With just days to go, the Lions were about $11,000 short but as soon as this community's amazing residents learned the goal might not hit its target, the Lions began receiving phone calls. Soon, more donations were on the way, helping the Lions hit their goal.

With just a few days to go, the Toys for Tots drive sits at $61,233.52. There were no donations received today.

To all who have donated — or plan to — thank you. Each little bit goes a long way and helps ensure those who are most vulnerable in our community know they are loved. While this year, donations didn’t hit the Lions’ goal, your donations ­— both large and small — send a powerful message that there is good and kindness and love in the world.

And, on that note, to send us all into the new year on a positive note, consider these quotes on kindness and generosity found on brainyquote.com. They are welcome reminders that the human spirit is a beautiful thing and our love for each other shines bright, even when we think the flame has dimmed or extinguished.

Among my favorite quotes found on the site:

- “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” (Audrey Hepburn, actress and humanitarian)

- “The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop, author)

- “It’s also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I’ve been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That’s why we’re here, after all, to help others.” (Carol Burnett, actress)

- “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” (Albert Schweitzer, theologian)

- “It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world by playing your role in the concert.” (Jacques Yves Cousteau, explorer)

- “Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.” (Dennis Prager, journalist)

- “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” (Calvin Coolidge, U.S. politician and president)

- “There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart — and our neighbors as ourselves.” (Thomas S. Monson, American clergyman)

- "Kindness, tolerance, integrity, modesty, generosity — these are attributes that events permit us. They are our holiday moods, and we are as proud of them as of the fine clothes we have hung away to wear on occasion." (Ben Hecht, writer)

- "True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possessions you can share." (Suze Orman, American author and financial advisor)

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. To help the Lions reach their goal — as additional donations help the Lions buy ahead and make the most of the community's generous donations.

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.