SANDPOINT — “Christmas Day in the Morning” wasn't on my list of "must read" books — mostly because I was unfamiliar with the book by Pearl S. Buck.

But, meandering through the internet a few years ago, I stumbled across a reference that the illustrated children’s book is the epitome of the meaning of Christmas.

Curious, I hit the internet to see what I could find about what was so special about this 1955 book by the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author. Why did this book — more so than any other book, song, or movie exemplify the holiday spirit?

Without delving too deeply into the 40-page book’s plot and tale, illustrated by Mark Buehner, I’ll share the summation by goodreads.com: “Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year — something that shows how much he really loves him. But it’s Christmas Eve, and he doesn’t have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all …”

One reviewer on the site said the book has been a family favorite to read each Christmas. “It is a beautifully written book — a rich and thoughtful exploration how a boy learns that a thoughtful and unexpected expression of love is the best and most lasting gift we can give,” she wrote.

Another writes that story that shows how love is truly the best gift that you can give your loved ones. “The story is about a boy, who even after becoming a man, remembers a Christmas when he truly realised the meaning of loving and how it was the perfect gift for his father,” they wrote in the review.

“Love does not need any money or even effort, it just is and when it is, I guess it is easy to express. For most of us cynics out there, this is truly a lesson in loving and being loved,” the reviewer wrote. “‘Love alone can awaken love.’ I don’t think truer words have ever been spoken in relation to this wonderful sentiment.”

And maybe that’s what so powerful about the Sandpoint Lions Club’s annual Toys for Tots drive. That simple expression of love, love for our community, love for its children, love for all. THAT is what helps the Lions every year reach its $75,000 goal to buy toys for that ALL children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District have a merry Christmas.

Share a little love and contribute if you can.

To date, the campaign has raised $16,072.50 of the $75,000 needed 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