Bev Humpala, left, and Maddie Nelson hold some of the toys they donated to The Mining Journal Cheer Club this year. The Cheer Club, which kicked off Nov. 24, 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. Those interested in getting involved with the Cheer Club are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to The Mining Journal office during business hours, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

MARQUETTE — The Cheer Club season finished its second week and donations are continuing to pour in.

This year’s drive, a collaboration between The Mining Journal, St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army, sees those around the Marquette area band together to ensure that children throughout the area have presents to unwrap during the holidays.

Abbie Ferguson, manager of Marquette’s St. Vincent de Paul, said the holiday season is a busy time of year for the store. She said the need is higher this year than in prior years.

“We feel that and our pantry sees that,” Ferguson said. “But the response has been good. Our community is awesome.”

For the last two weeks, numerous toys have been dropped off at the store for the Cheer Club. Ferguson said donations will increase toward the end of the campaign.

“It’s (Cheer Club) one of my favorite things we do here from all sides. From the people donating to the people picking toys up. It’s a combined effort with everyone involved and we are grateful for everyone.”

Any donation helps, but the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul say every year that when it comes time to distribute gifts to families, they need more items for teenagers.

St. Vincent de Paul will have its annual Christmas Program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church gym.

Families will be selecting toys for 326 children, while 172 families will pick up Christmas food baskets that contain everything needed for a holiday dinner. Christmas baskets will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday at the St. Vincent de Paul pantry.

For more than 30 years, the Cheer Club has collected toys and gifts that have benefited hundreds of families around Marquette County.

Those who are interested in getting involved with the Cheer Club are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to The Mining Journal office, located at 249 W. Washington St. in downtown Marquette, during business hours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.