To the Journal editor:

The eighth annual community outreach — Project Keep Kids Warm — was held in early October throughout the Ishpeming, Negaunee and Republic areas. The project was a winter clothing drive collecting jackets, snow pants, boots, hats, and mittens for needy youth in those west end communities. On behalf of Wesley United Methodist Church of Ishpeming, project sponsor, it is time to say thank you to all of the people, organizations, and school kids that worked to support this important effort.

Special thanks goes to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Negaunee which conducted the drive for that town, and St. Vincent de Paul that conducted the drive in Republic. West End churches helped: Our Redeemer Lutheran, Sacred Heart Catholic, Woodland United Methodist, Bethany Lutheran and Republic United Methodist. People from the Tilden Township Hall, Ely Township and a group from Marquette County Road 581 South conducted the drive in those rural areas.

There were members from Ishpeming’s Pioneer Kiwanis and The Women of Steel of Cleveland-Cliffs. The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul of Ishpeming participated. There must always be huge thanks to the numerous students from Westwood, Ishpeming, “Hartman” and Negaunee high schools — conducting the collection would not be possible without all of those wonderful youth volunteers.

The Ishpeming Armory provided its facility for the free shopping and clothing distribution day. Shopko of Ishpeming donated thousands of collection bags. Globe and Pellow Printing created the collection labels. Another important piece is the focus on the event by the local media that generates public awareness and support: WLUC-TV6, WBUP- TV10, WJMN-TV3, WKQS Sunny 101, WUPG Eagle 96.7, The Point 100.3 and The Mining Journal.

There is also a long list of corporate and private financial contributors. Finally, thank you to all of the households that contributed winter clothing so generously to support the drive.

As in the past the project will continue during the months ahead with left over clothing being distributed to schools and organizations throughout Marquette County, and families in need being assisted. The spirit of neighbors helping neighbors is always present in this great place we call home. Thank you to everyone involved in Project Keep Kids Warm.

Dick Derby, coordinator

Ishpeming