This is the 18th year the club, which has its headquarters at 501 Cleveland Ave. in Ishpeming, has donated to the Cheer Club and the 22nd year they have given back to local charities.

Highland Clan Motorcycle Club member Mike Ridenour estimates over 400 toys were purchased to be distributed to area youth this year, at a cost of more than $9,000, bringing the club’s total donation amount over the last 22 years to roughly $95,000.

What Ridenour enjoys most about giving back is that all the donations they make remain local.

“We’re a proud group of bikers that love the west end communities we are a part of. We like that through the local agencies we donate to, our efforts are kept primarily in the communities of western Marquette County, an area often overlooked,” Ridenour said. “None of us like to see people struggling in life, so if we can do a little to help some area kids feel those struggles a little less come Christmas morning, we’re going to do it.”

From left, Steve Kirkpatrick, Trevor Goeschel, Jeff Krause, Barry Gustafson, Mike Ridenour and Chuck Poole are seen among the toys they donated Wednesday night. The Cheer Club, which kicked off Nov. 29, collects unwrapped toys and gifts to be donated to local children and families in need during the holiday season. The Cheer Club, which kicked off Nov. 29, collects unwrapped toys and gifts to be donated to local children and families in need during the holiday season. Gifts can be dropped off at The Mining Journal’s office; Range Bank locations in Marquette, Harvey and Negaunee; Thomson & Metivier PC; Gwinn Ace Hardware; the Northern Michigan University Police Department; Salvation Army’s locations in Marquette and Ishpeming; and the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Marquette. Gifts are distributed to local families through St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army of Marquette County. (Journal photo by Trinity Carey)

Funds to purchase toys are gathered during the Highland Clan Toy Run held annually in October. Local organizations and businesses give monetary donations and auction items to help raise money, he said.

“This entire campaign, 22-years running, could not be possible without the extreme generosity and support from local businesses and organizations,” Ridenour said. “We thank them for their continued assistance in providing holiday cheer to the less fortunate within our community.”

This year the club shopped for gifts at Meijer, which also donated $300 for toy purchases.

The Highland Clan also made sizable donations to Negaunee’s Lakeview Elementary School’s Giving Tree program, Negaunee Middle School, St. Vincent de Paul of Negaunee, the Marine Corps League’s Toys for Tots program, foster care, Great Lakes Recovery Centers Inc. in Marquette County, as well as numerous adopted families.

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is tcarey@miningjournal.net.