SANDPOINT — The now retired Frederick Police Department officer was at a homeless camp investigating a domestic dispute when he heard the voice.

"Ask them about their laundry."

The former canine officer said the voice came out of nowhere, according to a story on the Good News Network website. He wasn't sure who spoke, someone nearby or perhaps God; he just knew he needed to listen.

So, Wade Milyard asked.

What he learned was heartbreaking and set the stage for the future.

The couple told him they washed their laundry in a nearby creek as best they could.

Milyard never forgot the call. When he retired in January 2025, he began the process of designing and building a mobile laundry vehicle that could meet those in need wherever they were.

By September, Milyard had launched Fresh Step Laundry and was ready to hit the road. Since then, he has been traveling around his community on a set schedule so people know where to meet him — offering a free fluff-and-fold service.

"If you’re clean, you just feel better," a man told CBS' Steve Hartman for his "On the Road" series. "You feel a little bit more proud of yourself."

And that, Milyard said is the point.

He told Hartman that, while he was done being a police officer, he didn't want to stop helping others. It was then he remembered the voice from that long ago call to the homeless camp.

"If having clean clothes can help them just a little bit, then my mission is fulfilled," he told the CBS correspondent.

That same mission to help others fuels the Sandpoint Lions' annual Christmas campaign, Toys for Tots.. That simple expression of love — love for the community, love for its children, love for all. THAT is what helps the Lions as they partner with community members and local businesses to raise $75,000 goal to ensure children in need in the Lake Pend Oreille School District have a merry Christmas.

Today's generous donations, totaling $3,030, come from: Beta Sigma Phi, $330; Kenneth and Sonja Hallock, $100; Maurice and Linda Dunn, $100; David and Candace Tate, $500; Dave Mundell, $1,000; Nancy and Dennis Rieger, $200; Ted and Timothy Farmin, $100; Andrew L. and Rhonna L. Crook Trust, $500; and Donald and Lori Morris,  $200.

To date, the campaign has raised $19,102.50 toward its goal.

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