Toy drive pushes 'Tots' over the top

Donations, both large and small, not only add up but they can be fun as fell.

Consider the friendly toy competition among local businesses this year. Not only did it garner a large number of toys, it added up to a significant amount of money.

So much so that it pushed the Sandpoint Lions’ Toys for Tots campaign well over its $75,000 goal.

The toy donations plus the money donated through local coin jars — totaling $26,367.94 in value — combined with a pair of monetary donations — brings the final total for the 2025 Sandpoint Lions Toys for Tots drive to $89,846.61.

"Our last minute toy donations were incredible," Sandpoint Lions president Janice Rader said. "The community stepped up to help us reach our goal and we are in awe! Our generous community is absolutely amazing."

The toys collected after Christmas Eve help begin the Lions' program for the 2026 Toys for Tots program, Rader said.

"We are excited to pass these toys on to kids," she added."

Participating in the toy drive were: Kathi & Tom Puyleart, $3,521; Serv-a-burger, $3,404; Envision Center, $20; Bonner County Fairgrounds, $906; Walmart, $1,807; Farmin Stidwell grant, $1,000; Encoder Products Company, $1,073; 

Columbia Bank, $2,382; Daily Bee, $649; Nick Pierce and Pierce Auto Center "Cram the Ram," $2,948; Papa Murphy's, $239.02; Mountain West Bank Ponderay, $346; Mountain West Bank Sandpoint, $194; Better Together Animal Alliance, $1,557.16; North 40, $90; 

Bonner County Janitorial staff, $402; Roxy’s, $1,912; Randy & Darla with Coldwell Banker, $352; Grace & Joy, $374; Nissha Medical Technologies, $423; Vyve Broadband $328; Wheels & Waves (Jon Stoltz), $209; and Jenna Bincarowsky, Jenny Hicks & Emily Moore, $275. 

Coin jars were received from Arnie's, $437.06; Mr. Sub, $1,195; Elite Tire, $59.33; Vinny Todd, $10; Litehouse, $5; Buckin' Beans, $169.67; and Connie's, $80.70.

Monetary donations were received from Woods Meats, $500; and Steven P. Klatt and Susie Lewis, $50.

The donations, along with those from local coin jars to folks in the community reaching deep to help others have a magical Christmas. Others were the result of employee Christmas celebrations, others were from youngsters take a dollar or two from their own allowance to give to others.

Those donations, large, small and every amount in-between — all equally important, all adding up to another successful drive. It also allows the Lions to get an early start on restocking its "toy store" — the room tucked into the back of the Lions Den, filled 

It is of no surprise to anyone who has lived in Bonner County for any length of time that the drive hit its goal once again. If someone needs something, sure enough someone will make sure they get what they need. Some calls for action come via social media and others through a good old-fashioned telephone tree as friends call their friends, who call their friends, who call … well, you get the picture. The call for action to help a neighbor in need doesn’t end until the goal is met and no one ever says no. The community, which extends throughout the county, takes care of its own with kindness, love and neighborliness.

From the Lions to everyone, thank you. Thank you for your caring, your generosity, and your willingness to help your friends and neighbors. Thank you for demonstrating, once again, the Christmas spirit. Thank you for making Christmas merry for all the community’s children.

Funds raised during the annual campaign go to purchase 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.

If you'd like to make an early donation to the Lions' 2026 Toys for Tots drive, the Lions and the community's children thank you.

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.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118, or online at bit.ly/SandpointLions