'Tots' spreads Christmas magic
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | November 25, 2025 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — Sgt. Bo is a good boy by anyone's standards.
Initially a stray, the Nashville Police Department canine officer worked as a certified therapy dog alongside his human partner, school resource officer Faye Okert, to help students feel safe, according to a story on the Good News Network website.
Three months into his new role, tragedy struck his community when a school shooting in 2023 at Covenant School claimed six lives. Sgt. Bo hopped on school buses to snuggle with the shaken students, laying his head in their laps and nuzzling them in comfort.
Since then, this dapper pup has continued to spend time with his kids, visiting schools and offering a helping paw to ease anxiety, the story said.
For his efforts, Sgt. Bo received the Hero Dog Award in 2025 from American Humane.
Okert, who became a school resource officer, told the reporter that Sgt. Bo’s scruffy appearance and allergies show students that appearances can be deceiving, that help and love are often just a paw — or hand — away.
“During profoundly difficult times, their presence served as a powerful beacon of hope and safety, exactly the qualities this award seeks to recognize,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane.
While a torn ACL meant Sgt. Bo had to retire, he provides unstinting comfort and love to people throughout his community.
Like Sgt. Bo, the Sandpoint Lions are dedicated to providing unstinting love and comfort through their annual Christmas campaign, Toys for Tots.
Today’s generous donation totals $300 and comes from Cliff Irish Trucking.
To date, the campaign has raised $4,050 toward its $75,000 goal to provide Christmas presents to those in need in the Lake Pend Oreille School District.
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 is 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
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