Season of giving kicks off in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — The season of giving kicked off at Cascadia Pizza Co. in Coeur d’Alene on Wednesday.  

Kids and families had a chance to donate toys to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots, get free pizza from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office — and meet the man himself, Santa Claus.  

KCSO escorted Santa to Cascadia Pizza Co. — in patrol cars full of toys — and handed out candy to kids. 

At least nine donation boxes were filled with toys during Wednesday’s event, all of which will go to kids in need in Kootenai County.  

Last year, Toys for Tots was able to provide toys to 3,800 local children — and hope they can provide even more this holiday season.  

“We’re all over it. This year, we’re trying to reach 5,000 kids as the community continues to grow,” said Bill Coder, who heads local Toys for Tots operations with his wife, Shannon. 

Dozens of families came out to donate toys and give their children the opportunity to meet Santa.

“As you can see, this is what we’re all about,” Coder said.  

Wednesday’s toy donation event is the first of several events Toys for Tots is holding in North Idaho. Today, Texas Roadhouse in Coeur d’Alene will donate 10% of each sale to Toys for Tots.  

    Cascadia Pizza Co. owner Raffi Peltekian carries toys inside to be donated during Wednesday's Toys for Tots event.
  

    Children are all smiles as they pose with Santa Claus and Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris at Cascadia Pizza Co. on Wednesday.