The simple joys of giving

COEUR d'ALENE — As the coordinator for Kootenai County's Toys for Tots program, Ron Bell doesn't get a chance to see the joy a simple gift can bring to a child too often.

But the former law enforcement officer fondly recalled one year when he happened to be at the front of the organization's local office as a mother came in with her young son.

"One of the volunteers gave him a small toy," Bell said. "His eyes just lit up and he was so excited. It just brings a smile to your face."

The program in Kootenai County has been sponsored by Pappy Boyington Detachment No. 966 of the Marine Corps League since 1997. In that time, toys have been provided to an estimated 25,000 needy children through the generosity of local residents and more than 100 businesses that act as collection sites for donations.

"It's all about the kids," Bell said. "This program started right after World War II and it's all about giving toys to children so they don't feel left out at Christmas."

This month, Bell and other Toys for Tots volunteers are busy using money donated by locals to shop for toys that will eventually be given to a child in need of a brighter holiday. Bell, who has coordinated local efforts for three years, said the program traditionally receives more toy donations for children between the ages of 3 and 7, so a large portion of the monetary donations go toward purchasing gifts for 8- to 12-year-olds.

As Christmas approaches, Bell spends the majority of his time ensuring that everything from applications to gift-giving is running smoothly. Sometimes, he said, that involves last-minute "rapid buying," but Bell added things are in place to provide toys to all the local children in need.

"It can help some of the kids not feel as left out and alone as a lot of kids do," Bell said of the program. "It gives them a sense of belonging and lets them know somebody cares. That goes a long way toward helping them become better adults."

Applications for families to receive toys through the program will be accepted Nov. 28 through Dec. 17. The program is open to low-income families who are on public assistance, and is open to children 12 and younger.

Applicants must apply in person and provide proof of participation in any of the following: Medicaid, WIC, TAFI (Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho), food stamps/Quest card (verification of active status must be provided), Social Security disability, Supplemental Security Income or military active duty. Proof of a Kootenai County residence, such as a valid Idaho driver's license with current address, a utility bill or a rental agreement, will be accepted for verification. The parent/guardian's name must be on the document.

Only the custodial parent or legal guardian may apply. Proof of custody for each child is needed, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, guardianship papers, WIC, TAFI, Medicaid or an active Quest card.

Kootenai County residents who are not on public assistance but make a net income of less than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are also eligible to participate in Toys for Tots. They will have to verify county residence and proof of custody of their children as well as bring in their last two pay stubs for the determination of their income. Federal Poverty Guidelines can be found at http://aspe.hhs.gov/2015-poverty-guidelines.

Proof of participation in one of the listed public assistance programs, proof of custody and proof of residency must be brought to the Request Center with the applicant. The Request Center is located at the American Legion Post, 1138 E. Poleline Ave. in Post Falls, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For information about donating money or toys in Kootenai County, visit coeur-d-alene-id.toysfortots.org. Bell added all donations made to the Kootenai County program stay in Kootenai County.