“Stuff A Blue Goose” this week in Baraga and Houghton counties

CALUMET — Troopers from the Michigan State Police Calumet Post and four local grocery stores will be working together to host “Stuff A Blue Goose” charity events. The events are planned in conjunction with the twenty seventeen Michigan Harvest Gathering Campaign to raise hunger awareness and to provide food to local pantries. This is the 27th year of that campaign.

Troopers will be stationed at participating stores on different dates to collect donated food items and answer questions regarding the drive. Below is a list of the participating locations and when the “Blue Goose” will be at each location:

• Econo Foods in Houghton — Wednesday, October 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Louie’s Fresh Market in Lake Linden — Thursday, October 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Pat’s Foods, both at the Calumet and L’Anse locations — Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

All of these stores will have either $5 or $10 grab bags filled with non-perishable food items available for the public to purchase and stuff in the “Blue Goose” police car. The stores will also be matching the grab bag purchases to donate to the local food pantries.

The department said in a press release that there is a significant need for food items in local pantries and the participation and involvement from the public is greatly appreciated.  Last year’s efforts collected 5,039 pounds and they are hoping to meet or exceed that amount this year.