Mary Wedig, age 69 from Marquette, drops off for The Mining Journal’s Cheer Club. The club 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 office in downtown Marquette; St. Vincent de Paul in Marquette; Range Bank locations in Marquette, Harvey and Negaunee; the Marquette Salvation Army; and Ace Hardware in Gwinn. Journal staff members are available to take photos of Cheer Club donors who drop off items at The Mining Journal office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Mining Journal will accept donations up to Dec. 23. However, only items dropped off by Dec. 16 will be available for this season’s gift distribution. (Journal photo by Alexandria Bournonville)

MARQUETTE- As The Mining Journal Cheer Club festivities continue, plenty of toys are being donated from the generous souls of Marquette County.

Toys are flooding the entry of The Mining Journal. Dolls, bikes and puzzles have all made an appearance. However, Marquette Salvation Army Director of Development Cari Detmers would like to remind everyone the importance of remembering adolescents will be needing Christmas presents as well. All too often, it seems there are heaps upon heaps of presents for very young children with nothing left for kids who are more advanced.

Electronics are an increasingly popular category of present for teens. Popular items are wireless earbuds, bluetooth speakers or small remote control drones.

Teenagers of any gender enjoy advanced lego sets. There are plenty of Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Marvel or DC sets. Otherwise, some are architecture themed, inspired by paintings, animals or even flowers and succulents.

For a creative child, makeup is a good option. Eyeshadow, lip gloss, concealer and powder are requested.

Some families also have requested some of the basics such as new bedding (sheets or comforters), sweatshirts, sweatpants and in some cases, athletic gear.

Lastly, there is a large discrepancy in the reading level of books Cheer Club receives. Most books are meant for toddlers or early readers. There is a huge need for young adult books of many genres; fiction, nonfiction, sports, romance, action or mystery.

To families who may benefit from this project, please apply at saangeltree.org by next Friday, Dec. 9. For those who lack access to the internet, call The Salvation Army’s Marquette location at (906) 228-2930 or the Ishpeming location at (906) 486-8121.

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