ISHPEMING — As winter draws nearer, many won’t have the proper clothes to keep them warm during the UP’s harsh winters.

A couple of local churches are hard at work making sure local youngsters don’t have to face that problem. The Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming and the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee are sponsoring Project Keep Kids Warm. Community members in Negaunee, Ishpeming, National Mine and Republic donated over 6000 winter items to stave off the cold.

“It warms the hearts of all the volunteers and we want to give thanks to the several hundred people that contribute to this effort. We are blessed to be living in a community where neighbors continue to help neighbors year after year,” said Richard Derby, who coordinated the project.

Families in need can come by and pick out the new and gently used items free of charge on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The pick up day is located at the Ishpeming Armory.