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Highland Clan supports Cheer Club for 16 years

From left, Highland Club members Andrew Taseris, Mike Ridenour, Chuck Poole, Emma Krause, Tim Krause and Peter Heikkila drop off a mountain of gifts at The Mining Journal’s Ishpeming office for the Christmas 2017 Cheer Club. The Cheer Club is a joint effort between the Journal, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul to provide gifts to local children and families for Christmas. Unwrapped gifts and other items for children up to age 14 may be dropped off at the Journal’s Marquette and Ishpeming offices, the Marquette and Ishpeming Salvation Army locations and St. Vincent de Paul in Marquette. Donations will be accepted until Friday. (Journal photo by Jaymie Depew)

ISHPEMING — Every year the Highland Clan Motorcycle Club is one of the largest contributors to The Mining Journal Ishpeming office for Cheer Club. Last week members brought big bags full of toys for children of all ages.

This marks the 16th year the Highland Clan has contributed to the Cheer Club and the 20th year the club has held an annual toy collection to benefit local children.

Mining Journal Publisher Jim Reevs commended the group for their ongoing support and generosity.

“We very much appreciate the donations from the Highland Clan Motorcycle Club. Year after year they are one of the largest group donations to the Cheer Club,” he said. “We appreciate all businesses and groups that make donations as well as individuals.”

The club begins its “toy run” in August by visiting local businesses for items to auction off at the club’s annual dinner in October.

According to club member Pete Heikkila, over $8,000 was raised this year and over $75,000 has been raised and donated throughout 20 years.

The club also donated items to Lakeview School’s Giving Tree program, St. Vincent de Paul of Negaunee, Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots program, Foster Care in Marquette County, as well as numerous adopted families in the area.

“This entire campaign for the 20 years in existence could not be made possible without the support of local businesses. We thank them for continued support and assistance in providing holiday cheer to the less fortunate within our community,” Heikkila said.

The St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army of Marquette will be distributing toys from the Cheer Club Thursday. However toys and other gifts can still be dropped off at Mining Journal offices in Marquette and Ishpeming until Friday.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206.

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