SANDPOINT — If you want to feel the true embodiment of the Christmas spirit, head over to the Sandpoint Lions Den.

The den, located on the edge of Lakeview Park, is a cheerful place at Christmas time.

Shelves are packed full of toys fresh from Santa’s workshop, cheerful chatter fills the air, and members are hard at work raising the money needed to ensure all children in the Lake Pend Oreille School District have a merry Christmas and holiday season.

As the time draws nearer to Christmas, the hustle grows busier, and the volunteers increase as others in the community join in to pack holiday dinner boxes and ensure everyone has what they need.

While Thanksgiving is on the near horizon, Christmas isn't far behind. With more than 1,000 youth expected to need the Lions’ help through the club’s annual Toys for Tots Christmas drive, members have already begun efforts to raise the funds needed to ensure no child is left without a Christmas present.

“Everyone has some time in their life when they just need a little help, so don’t be shy about letting us get you going through the holidays,” Lions President Janice Rader said. “That’s what our program and the Lions Club motto is. We serve the community and especially the children.”

If you know of 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, and the deadline to pick up toys is Dec. 13.

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