Friday marked the beginning of the Mining Journal’s annual Cheer Club fundraiser. The yearly holiday initiative sees people from all around the community donate new, unwrapped toys and financial donations to donate to the Salvation Army of Marquette County and St. Vincent de Paul for distribution to those in need around our community.

“We’re starting off a bit earlier this year to make sure that the kids get everything they need in time for the holidays,” said Ann Troutman, The Mining Journal’s publisher. “The generosity of the community has been overwhelming each year this takes place and we want to remind everyone to get their donations in as soon as possible.”

Beyond just toys, the Cheer Club is also encouraging items for tweens and teens, like movie theater passes, gift certificates and other items for older kids.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Christmas program can call Mary-Lee Kirkum at 906-360-3712.

Those wanting to be involved with the Cheer Club are encouraged to bring their unwrapped items to The Mining Journal’s office location at 249 W. Washington St., which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We encourage you to come visit us and have your picture taken to be featured in the pages of the Mining Journal.

Programs like these are vital to ensuring that every kid in our community gets to enjoy their holiday seasons to the fullest.