The Commemorative Bucks of Michigan organization was at The Mining Journal Friday with its traditional large donation to the annual Cheer Club. From left, members are Jim Curtis, Jamie Curtis, Cole Lindberg, Jamey Jezewski, Amanda Miller and Luke Somerville. The group dropped off seven totes of packed with toys. (Journal photo by Antonio Anderson)

MARQUETTE– As December continues, the 2025 Mining Journal Cheer Club is nearing the halfway point. On Friday, the Commemorative Bucks of Michigan, traditionally among the most generous of organizations as far as holiday giving is concerned, brought in a mountain of gifts in support of this year’s effort.

“Every child deserves a Christmas with a toy under the tree,” said Mining Journal Publisher Ann Troutman. “The Cheer Club is a way to support our local community by giving. The generosity of every individual, or group, can make such a profound difference.”

The Mining Journal Cheer Club is a partnership between the Journal, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul that aims to provide children with toys and other gifts for the holidays. The newspaper launched the 2025 Christmas Cheer Club one week early this year, due to the recent government shutdown and issues with SNAP benefits. In years past, the Cheer Club’s traditional launch date was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. But Mining Journal personnel all felt this year is different.

It’s really about giving to others when times are tough, that’s what the Cheer Club is all about: community members helping out their neighbors and everyone being a little kinder to each other. When one buys a toy and donate it to the Cheer Club, you’re helping to put a smile on a youngster’s face, and that should be all the reason you need to participate.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.