SANDPOINT — For a young Oscar Wilkins, it wasn't anything to get all shook up about.

Told he would portray "Elvis the Elf" in his primary school's holiday play, the 9-year-old was thrilled. He excitedly told his family about his role and they began a search for an appropriate costume.

It was only when Oscar — dressed in his Graceland finest — walked onto the stage with his classmates that they realized that something had gotten lost  in the translation.

His classmates' outfits? Elves, every last one of them — green-and-red outfits, pointy ears and bell-adorned hats.

The letter home simply said a "sparkly Elvis" costume, according to a Daily Mail article. Since he'd been cast as an alien a year or two before, they didn't question the casting — until the class walked on stage.

"'It was no drama though," big sister Jade said. "Oscar embraced it all and loved that people were all laughing at him. He really enjoyed all the attention."

Oscar was just thrilled to be celebrating Christmas and making special memories with his friends and family.

Much like what the Sandpoint Lions try to do through their annual Toys for Tots Christmas campaign.

Today's generous donations, totaling $954, come from Dorothy J. Each, $100; Pamela M. Duquette, $25; Rufayne Leggit, $100; Jill M. & David A. Nygren, $75; Sherry L. Ennis, $50; and Daily Bee staff, $604.

To date, the campaign has raised $20,056.50 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 was 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