Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Another week is coming to a close and it was another week of fantastic support by the Marquette-area community for the The Mining Journal’s Cheer Club toy drive.

Whether it’s tossing Teddy Bears or collecting thousands of toys, three groups made a big difference.

Northern Michigan University Teddy Bear Toss donations were distributed to St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army on Wednesday.

The toys were tossed on the ice between the first and second periods of the NMU vs. Michigan Tech hockey game on Saturday.

Highlighting this week’s donations is the North Coast Chapter of the Highland Clan Motorcycle Club. The group managed to top its previous donations to the Cheer Club by providing over $14,000 worth of toys, which like all other donations, will be distributed through the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul of Marquette County.

The local chapter of the motorcycle club, part of a larger group that has chapters in nine states, has been one of the Cheer Club’s biggest supporters for 22 years.

The group starts early each year, as it begins collecting donations for its annual Toy Run event throughout the summer and the fall in preparation for the holiday season. The event itself takes place in October.

“The Toy Run is held at our clubhouse located at the corner of Cleveland and 4th streets in Ishpeming and is open to the public to attend,” said HCMC’s Mike Ridenour. “The evening consists of live music or a DJ/ Karaoke party with great food and drinks, bucket raffles, 50/50s and probably the most entertaining live auction you’ll ever witness. 2023 was our 26th annual Toy Run.”

Northern Michigan University student athletes deliver toys gathered at the NMU Teddy Bear Toss to the Salvation Army on Wednesday. Half of the proceeds went to St. Vincent de Paul. (Courtesy photo)

He said the group is dedicated to the collection and donation of toys that benefit area children.

“The Highland Clan takes pride in making sure every dollar we raise and every toy we purchase stays in Marquette County and the Cheer Club,” Ridenour said. “Its long tradition of helping the local Salvation Armies has demonstrated their goal is the same.”

Area businesses also have a hand in making Christmas special for the children of Marquette and Alger counties.

Neil Jandron of Jandrons Fine Jewelry worked with Marquette Buick GMC, Fox Motors in Negaunee and First Bank Upper Michigan to collect monetary donations to purchase more than 100 bicycles.

The bikes were donated Thursday morning at the Westwood Mall.

In the top right photo, from left, Ernesto Espinoza, Chris Wilson, Drew Wiertella and Mike Ridenour of the Highland Clan Motorcycle Club stand in front of some of the toys they delivered to The Mining Journal Cheer Club. The Highland Clan’s donation has an estimated value of $14,000. (Journal photo by Dreyma Beronja)

Capt. Matthew Darrow of the Marquette Salvation Army said every donation, big or small, shows just how much the community cares about the children in the area.

“I want to give a huge thank you to the Marquette community. It’s because of them that we are able to make Christmas better for over 300 families this year,” Darrow said. “I also want to thank Jim Reevs and NMU for their Teddy Bear Toss donations as well as the local businesses that purchased all of these bicycles. I want to see every one of them go to a good home.”

Members of families who registered with the Salvation Army will visit the Toy Shop next week. With the help of volunteer elves, the parents can find age-appropriate gifts for their children among the thousands of items that have been donated.

Darrow said the Salvation Army is still looking for gifts that are appropriate for the teen and tween age groups.

“Kids between the age of 9 and 17 can be very hard to buy for,” he said.

business leaders stand in front of more than 100 bicycles donated to the Salvation Army. From left are Charlie Crabb from Marquette GMC, Misty O’Dovero from Marquette GMC, Salvation Army Advisory Board member Neil Jandron, First Bank Upper Michigan operations manager Allison Dagenais Watkins, Capt. Matthew Darrow of the Marquette Salvation Army and Jerry Taylor from Fox Motors of Neguanee. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

Anyone interested in making a donation to The Mining Journal’s Cheer Club is encouraged to drop off the gifts at The Mining Journal offices at 249 W. Washington St. in downtown Marquette during business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.