From left, Kallee McCone and Taryn Koepp, both 17, drop off items for the 2022 Christmas Cheer Club at The Mining Journal’s downtown Marquette offices. Both are seniors at Marquette Senior High School and their donation was funded by the Thrivent Team. (Journal photo)

MARQUETTE — The Salvation Army and The Mining Journal have geared up to start the 2022 Christmas Cheer Club.

The Salvation Army is in contact with families who lack the resources to buy their kids gifts during the holiday season in Marquette County. All toys donated in the “Cheer Club” donation boxes throughout Marquette County will be distributed families in their network.

Donation boxes are in Range Bank locations at 100 N. Front St. and 250 N. McClellan Ave. in Marquette, 216 W. Terrace St., in Harvey and 601 U.S. 41 in Negaunee.

They can also be found at the Ace Hardware in Gwinn, St. Vincent de Paul in both Marquette and Ishpeming, Marquette’s Salvation Army and The Mining Journal.

This tradition has been going strong for over 40 years in the area. It reaches over 340 families with nearly 180 kids.

The Cheer Club was even able to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re so thankful for the partnership with The Mining Journal,” Marquette Salvation Army Director of Development Cari Detmers said.

Parents or families in need of toys this Christmas can submit an application to be included at saangeltree.org by Dec. 10.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.