When Georgia firefighters rappelled down Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, they brought along Santa Claus, Superman and Spiderman for the ride.

After all, the young patients at the hospital couldn't make it in to see Santa, and the Jolly Old Elf wasn't about to let the Christmas season go by without making a visit to some of his youngest fans.

To make it happen, Santa reached out to Sandy Spring Fire Department to see if they'd be able to lend him a hand. After all, he had gotten help from the department's firefighters in the past and would help him accomplish his mission, according to a story on the Good News Network website.

It isn't the first time that Santa has reached out to the firefighters and he knew the SSFD folks had the skills to help out. This year, however, they suggested a few extra friends tag along — hence the appearance by Superman and Spiderman.

The visits have their genesis to a 2018 idea by SSFD firefighters who wanted to make things a little brighter for the hospital's youngest patients. It took a little planning and connecting with the right people and in 2022, the visits got off the ground.

“It’s a simple interaction, but it has a huge impact,” Department Section Chief Kyle Sweeney told GNN in an emailed statement. 

“For many of us, it’s one of the most rewarding things we get to do all year. Firefighters are used to showing up on people’s worst days, so having the opportunity to bring joy instead is incredibly powerful. It reminds us why we chose this career in the first place.”

That desire to spread joy is akin to what the Sandpoint Lions do through the club's annual Toys for Tots Christmas drive.

Today's generous donations, totaling $4,540.30, come from: Pat Ramsay Memorial, $500; Frank J & Julie S Jurenka, $100; Michelle Goode, $100; Byron D & Kelly J Ruen, $2,500; Robert S Stevens, $600; and Paradyce Builders LLC, $500; and from local coin jars: Mr. Sub, $182.60; Arnie’s, $56; and Elite Tire, $1.70.

To date, the campaign has raised $44,438.67 of the $75,000 needed to ensure every child in the community has a merry Christmas.

Donations can be made at a variety of local businesses, listed below and including the Daily Bee at 310 Church St., Sandpoint, or online at bit.ly/LionsToysForTots.

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.

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