The Benewah County Sheriff’s office was able to provide presents for 52 children throughout Benewah County as part of its Toys for Tots effort.
Numbers were lower this year, Sheriff Tony Eells added, but was not sure why.
“Typically, we average around 100,” he added.
Still, Eells said it is “always a pleasure to help out the community” and the group has plans to do the same thing in 2023.
“I want to say thank you to Laci St. John. She is always such a big help. I had my wife helping and Rita too,” Eells said.
Businesses throughout St. Maries said they saw individuals from throughout the community support the Toys for Tots effort.
Wendy Lee, of 208 Bakery, said her business saw quite a few people donate toys at its donation bin.
“Donations were good. We filled our bin, had it emptied and filled it up again,” she said.
Lee said Toys for Tots and other programs throughout the community are vital and 208 Bakery is glad to be able to help.
“We participate because we feel everybody needs to have a good Christmas. It brings joy to have other people receive joy,” she said. “It helps a lot of kids, and it all stays in the community.”
Ashley Wunderlich, at Jack’s Pharmacy, said they filled their bin.
“We had quite a few people buy from the store and also come in and drop off toys,” Wunderlich said. “We definitely enjoy doing it.”
“Every child deserves to open a present Christmas morning,” Jack’s Pharmacy employee Gladys Batchelder said. “Quite a few people donated.”
Kristi Masterson, at Country Fair, said the number of donations at the business’ bin this year were great.
“It’s so nice to see customers come in to specifically buy for Toys for Tots,” Masterson said. “It’s nice because we keep in contact with the sheriff’s office and can help point customers in the direction of what they might need for a certain age group.”
Masterson said she enjoys being able to give back in various ways.
“It’s about giving back, and being part of something bigger,” she said. “It’s important to help people.”
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