Jaymie Depew, communications and special project assistant, Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau

While there is presently an array of uncertainties and challenges faced around the world, Alger County residents and businesses have put forth various initiatives to help their neighbors and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following groups of people highlighted are some of many throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that are doing their part to shine a light during this unnerving situation:

The group “Masks for Alger,” which has around 30 sewers, was formed in late March. Already, the dedicated group of Alger County residents has managed to provide over 1,000 masks for employees of businesses that have remained open during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. Additional sewers are welcomed, group organizers say, and monetary donations for materials can be mailed to: Get Away Drop-In, 226 Center W. Superior St., Munising, MI 49862. Checks payable to Terri LeVeque.

Earlier this month, the Munising Moose Lodge #1386 donated around 40 Fish Fry dinners to Munising Memorial Hospital employees and local seniors in need of a hot meal. The Moose will continue serving take-out fish dinners throughout the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown unless otherwise determined by state regulations.

Alger County Communities That Care or “AC3,” an organization that provides prevention and education of suicide and youth substance abuse, started a program called “Alger Packs” in response to the pandemic. The packs contain breakfast and lunch foods provided by Family Fare in Munising and are delivered once a week to different locations throughout the county. Locations and updates are posted on the AC3 Facebook page.

The organization’s focus is to help youth, families, and the elderly who are in need during the pandemic – but will make exceptions in certain cases. People can just arrive at one of the drop-off locations during the set times as registration is not required. If a person in need is unable to get to a drop-off site, contact AC3 on their Facebook page. Donations for AC3 can be mailed to 413 Maple St., Munising, MI 49862. Checks payable to AC3.

The Alger Community Food Pantry, located at 414 E. Munising Ave., Munising, is also open every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4:30 p.m. For questions or to donate to the food pantry, contact Cathy Weymouth at 906-387-2689.

The Munising Fire Department is also doing its part to bring smiles to many during these questionable times. The fire department will show up with a fire truck to any residences within city limits where a child is celebrating a birthday. Anyone with children that would be interested in a drive by salute on their special day can call or text 906-630-2973 and the MFD will do their best to try to accommodate anyone’s wishes.

Editor’s note: Jaymie Depew is the communications and special project assistant for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce/Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development, Munising Downtown Development Authority and Munising Visitors Bureau.