SANDPOINT — There are few things which instantly bring to mind Christmas and all its magic and wonder.

Stars, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes make the list — as do candy canes. According to worldofchristmas.net, the candy cane is among the most popular and visible signs of Christmas. “The candy cane is simple, eye-catching, and what’s more, it’s tasty,” the website notes. “Though candy canes come in many flavors, the most popular and common flavor is peppermint and cinnamon.”

Candy canes are used to decorate just about everything, from entire rooms to cake to Christmas trees.

While tasty AND festive, the red-and-white striped candy also features an interesting story as to on it originated.

It is widely believed that the candy, which earlier was straight as a stick, was given its distinctive J-shape by a German choirmaster, the website said.

“It is said that during service one evening, the children were being very loud and noisy, creating quite a ruckus and not paying any attention to the choirmaster. To keep them quiet and still for the nativity ceremony, he gave them a long, white, sugar candy stick,” it notes. “Since giving chocolates and candies at church was considered sacrilegious, he bent these sticks at one end to make them look like a shepherd’s cane and thus, attached a religious significance to them.”

“In Christianity, Jesus is regarded as the Good Shepherd and so, the staff is considered to be a sacred symbol. The staff also represents the shepherds who came to visit the infant Jesus.”

A simple treat, a beautiful decoration and a symbol of the holiday — just like the Sandpoint Lions are a symbol of the holidays in this part of the woods. Each year, the Lions strive to raise $50,000 to ensure a merry Christmas for the children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. And, each year, the generous folks of the community respond.

Today's generous donations, totaling $4,551, come from: anonymous, "in loving memory of Baby Aaron on his 51st birthday," $51; the estate of Deborah Ann Kain, $500; Kim L. Keaton and Julie Reister-Keaton, $250; Julia and Sam Shields, $100; Jim and Rhonda Parsons, $100; 

Steven J. Shearer, $100; Larry J., Brigitte, and Logan G. Sanborn, $100; Knights of Columbus Corp. Father Kelly Council No. 2888, $100; anonymous, $3,000; anonymous, $100; Brian Bauer family, $50; Sharon A. Lanning, $50; and Sharron Taylor, "for Toys for Tots in memory of my deceased son,  Craig Andrew Rader," $50.

To date, the campaign has raised $25,994.50 toward its $75,000 goal — the amount needed to ensure every child in the community has a merry Christmas.

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