PONDERAY — Quick: How do you spell “Merry Christmas?”

Answer: B-I-N-G-O.

At least if you’re talking about the Sandpoint Lions’ official kickoff to both the holiday season — and its Toys for Tots campaign — the Sandpoint Lions will host two days of Turkey Bingo games this week at the Elks Lodge, 30196 U.S. Highway 200 in Ponderay.

Bingo games will be held Friday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 22, from noon to 4 p.m. Doors open an hour before each session.

“It’s an integral part of our program,” said Janice Rader, Sandpoint Lions Club president. “It also lets the community know that it’s time for Toys for Tots, and we need the community’s help to make it a success.”

As the Sandpoint Elks Lodge did with the return of the Sandpoint Lions’ spaghetti feed fundraiser, the lodge’s members have also stepped in to help with the Lions’ Turkey Bingo fundraiser.

Elks’ leading knight and board chair Danielle Ruhmshottel said the Elks are excited to help the Lions make Christmas merry for local youth and are happy to provide a place for the annual fundraiser.

“It’s going to be tougher for people this year,” Ruhmshottel said of the lodge’s offer to host the games and the Lions’ efforts to raise $75,000 to provide Christmas gifts to those in need. “It’s going to take a village, but I think we can all make it happen.”

Bingo cards can be purchased in packs of 10 cards for $10 each. In addition, the Elks kitchen and bar will be open throughout both days, with a variety of raffles being held.

Prizes include a turkey for the middle and end games on both days, with great prizes in the other games, Rader said.

“Don’t miss out on this enjoyable event,” she said.

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 Mr. Sub, Columbia Bank, Bonner County Daily Bee, Connie’s Cafe, Serv-A-Burger and Mountain West Bank.

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 and Mountain West Bank.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118, [email protected] or bit.ly/SandpointLions