Kallee McCone of Marquette holds a drone she donated to The Mining Journal’s Cheer Club on Friday. McCone was one of the first donors to the club this year.

The Mining Journal’s Cheer Club, which kicked off Friday, collects unwrapped toys and gifts to be donated to local children and families in need during the holiday season. Gifts are distributed to local families through St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army of Marquette County.

Gifts can be dropped off at: The Mining Journal’s offices in downtown Marquette; Range Bank locations in Marquette, Harvey and Negaunee; Salvation Army locations in Ishpeming and Marquette; and Ace Hardware in Gwinn.

For those who would like to donate at The Mining Journal’s office, a donation box will be in the vestibule of the office along West Washington Street in downtown Marquette. Staff will empty the box regularly so items can be collected by representatives from the Salvation Army of Marquette County and St. Vincent de Paul of Marquette and distributed to local families in need. If you would like your photo taken with your Cheer Club donation, please ring the buzzer near the exterior door and a masked Journal staff member will be outside shortly to take your photo from a safe distance outdoors. Hours when photos are available are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Journal photo by Renee Prusi)