SANDPOINT — Never doubt that one person can make a difference.

Just look at the example of Dane Best upon learning that throwing snowballs in Severence, Colo., was officially on the naughty list. The youth didn’t think it was right that he couldn’t legally pitch a frozen sphere at his younger brother in a classic, good old-fashioned snowball fight. (No word on what his brother felt about his sibling’s plan to fight for the legal right to wing a snowball — or more — at him.)

The ban was technically part of a larger ordinance that was set in place 98 years ago, according to a wire story a few years back. The ordinance made it illegal to throw stones or missiles at any trees, people, property, or buildings – and according to Kyle Rietkerk, assistant to the Severance town administrator, snowballs fell under the “missile” category.

“All of the kids always get blown away that it’s illegal to have snowball fights in Severance,” said Rietkerk, according to a 2018 Associated Press story. “So, what ends up happening is (town leaders) always encourage the kids with, ‘You have the power, you can change the law.’ No one has.”

Young Dane was stunned — and became determined to set things right. While Severance youngsters have thrown their snowballs in secret — after discovering the ban in early November, young Dane decided enough was enough. First he gathered signatures from his classmates and encouraged them to write letters to the city council. Then earlier this week, he made a presentation at the town board meeting asking for the law to be changed.

Needless to say, the board members unanimously agreed to lift the ban on snowballs, the AP story reports.

After Dane was given the honor of throwing the first legal snowball in a century, he told the Associated Press that he planned to change other outdated city laws before going on to become U.S. president. 

While there is no word on what young Dane is up to these days, you, too, can make a difference by making a donation to the Sandpoint Lions’ annual Toys for Tots campaign, which raises money to make Christmas merry for local youngsters.

To date, the campaign has raised $4,800 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