What couldn't be cured by some very good boys and girls?

That's the premise behind the Pile of Puppies, a Portland, Ore.-based nonprofit that brings large litters of puppies to youth battling life-threatening or chronic illnesses.

Founded by Jennifer Trepanier, who grew up with her own health challenges as well as dealing with an autoimmune disorder while pregnant, the group bring joy through the sheer, wriggling happiness that is a pile of puppies.

According to a Good News Network story, the nonprofit can trace its start to a friend of Tepanier who brought in a litter of Swiss mountain dogs to work to cheer her up.

After a child in need is identified, the litter of puppies — are corralled inside a play pen lined with absorbent pads. After the youth is placed inside, the puppies are, well, unleashed.

Among those benefitting from the power of the puppies is Julia Stults, now 16. 

“It’s those little, tiny special things that are like, ‘Yeah, having (ulcerative colitis) sucks, but then I wouldn’t get all the puppies,’” the youth is quoted as telling a reporter in the story.

For the families, it means the world.

"It's just a warm special experience to have these furry little loving babies lift you out of your pain or stress or fear of discomfort of daily life and just get some snuggle time and some play time," said the mother of one youth who recently benefitted from a visit from Pile of Puppies. 

Like Pile of Puppies, the Sandpoint Lions is dedicated to spreading joy, albeit through the club's Toys for Tots Christmas drive. 

Today's generous donations total $1,150 and come from: Paula DeMers, $100; Bonner County Sportsmen's Association, $500; Robert Inge, $100; Pamela Hibbs, $50; Douglas Bradetich, $100; Diane Dennis, $100; Norma Benda, $100; and Patricia Clayburn, $100.

To date, the campaign has raised $6,950 toward its $75,000 goal to provide Christmas presents to those in need in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.

If you know someone who needs help, make sure they sign up so Christmas is a happy holiday for everyone in the community. The deadline this year is Dec. 12 to sign up and Dec. 13 to pick up toys.

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

Funds raised go toward purchasing 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.

This year’s goal is $75,000 to ensure all area youth receive a present. Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, P.O. Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864, or dropped into any coin jar around town. Donations should include a note that it is for Toys for Tots and, if you wish to remain anonymous, please mention that in your note.

Donations made by check are preferred. Be sure to include a note with your check indicating that it is a Toys for Tots donation. If you wish to make an anonymous donation, please include a note.

If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.

Each day during the drive, donors’ names will be published along with the amount of their donations. A running total will be included to help the community know where the Toys for Tots campaign stands.

If you can, please consider donating. Every penny, every dollar adds up, and if we all pitch in, we can make this, once again, a successful Toys for Tots campaign. Additional donations help the Lions buy ahead and make the most of the community’s generous support.

In Sandpoint, toys and donations can be dropped off at the Bonner County Daily Bee, Mr. Sub, Columbia Bank, Connie’s Cafe, Serv-A-Burger, Mountain West Bank, Pivo Peaks Alehouse, Sandpoint Family Medicine and Urgent Care, and the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

In Sagle, toys and donations can be dropped off at Buckin’ Beans and Encoder Products (in the front lobby, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

In Ponderay, toys and donations can be dropped off at Alpenglow Salon, Walmart, North 40, Columbia Bank, Arnie’s, Better Together Animal Shelter, Community Resource EnVision Center, Litehouse, Elite Tire, Vinnie Todd’s Barbershop, Hoot Owl, Papa Murphy’s and Mountain West Bank.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118, [email protected] or bit.ly/SandpointLions