At left, Evelina Milite, an Italian exchange student attending Marquette Senior High School, and Victoria Turausky, a junior at MSHS, show off the two Barbie dolls they donated to The Mining Journal Cheer Club on Thursday. The Cheer Club, which kicked off Nov. 24, collects unwrapped toys and gifts to be donated to local children and families in need during the holiday season. Gifts are distributed to local families through St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army of Marquette County. Those interested in getting involved with the Cheer Club are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to The Mining Journal office during business hours, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

By RANDY CROUCH

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The 2023 edition of the Mining Journal’s annual Cheer Club toy drive is off to a hot start.

This year’s drive, a collaboration between The Mining Journal, St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army, sees those around the Marquette area band together to ensure that children throughout the area have presents to unwrap during the holidays.

The first week of the drive saw some great donations collected for area kids. While it has only been a few days since the start of the drive, Journal offices are already full with bicycles, balls, Barbies and blankets, thanks to generous area residents who have visited to put gifts under the tree.

Some of those names include Caroline McDonald, Candy Lindsey and local businessman Neil Jandron, who all did their part with generous toy and monetary donations.

Any donation helps, but the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul say every year that when it comes time to distribute gifts to families, they need more items for teenagers.

For more than 30 years, the Cheer Club has collected toys and gifts that have benefited hundreds of families around Marquette County.

Those who are interested in getting involved with the Cheer Club are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to The Mining Journal office, located at 249 W. Washington St. in downtown Marquette, during business hours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.