By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — Upper Peninsula residents have the opportunity to help survivors of child abuse this holiday season. Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center, in collaboration with participating Nicolet Bank locations in Marquette, Ishpeming, Manistique, and Escanaba, is launching an initiative to brighten the lives of young survivors of child abuse and neglect across the U.P.

The “Light up the Dark Gift Drive” invites residents to visit a participating branch of Nicolet Bank in Marquette, Ishpeming, Manistique, or Escanaba to support children who have survived abuse and had involvement with Child Protective Services while facing economic hardships.

From Nov. 17-Dec. 17 donations will be accepted at each participating Nicolet Bank branch.

Those interested in participating will find a Giving Tree adorned with gift requests, each representing a child in need. Patrons are encouraged to select a request tag from the tree, along with a complimentary sticker.

“With this simple act of kindness, they can make a significant difference in the life of a child who may be experiencing a challenging holiday season,” a Northern Lights press release states. “This is an opportunity to spread joy and light during this season.”

Participation involves the following steps:

1. Visit a participating Nicolet Bank branch.

2. Select a gift list request tag from the Giving Tree.

3. Purchase the requested gifts on the tag.

4. Attach the gift tag provided/ or ID number to

each gift

5. Return the gifts to the same Nicolet Bank branch

for drop-off.

All donated gifts will be distributed to youth through the local children’s advocacy center, Northern Lights, and Delta Regional.

Information about the drive is available by contacting the Northern Lights Child Adovacy Center at 906-262-0091 or via email at info@northernlightscac.or or at the center’s website: northernlightscac.org/holiday-gift-drive.