Keep kids warm this winter

ISHPEMING — Winter is just around the corner, but before it gets here, a few local churches are getting ready to kick off the seventh annual Keep Kids Warm project.

Donation collection for the project will start this Saturday. The goal is to gather gently used winter attire for kids in need in the Ishpeming-Negaunee area.

Volunteers will be going around local neighborhoods to distribute the 7,000 collection bags. Historically, the drive collects nearly 6,000 pieces and assists hundreds of kids in need of proper winter gear.

“The community is always so responsive to this need and I think it’s a project that so many people have identified with,” said Project Coordinator Richard Derby. “All of us have seen children out going to school in harsh weather or cold weather in tennis shoes or a sweatshirt when they should be in boots, snow pants and warm jackets.”

The volunteers will collect the shopping bags the following Saturday to get them ready for the distribution, which will take place at the Ishpeming Armory on October 1.

Winter wear in all sizes, from infant to 18-years old, is needed.

The project is hosted in collaboration with the Wesley United Methodist Church of Ishpeming and the Immaunuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, backed by the Negaunee Ministerial Association.