Check presentation held at Portage Health
HANCOCK — The Portage Health Auxiliary got into the holiday spirit today to the tune of $15,700. They held a check presenting ceremony at the hospital in Hancock. 31 Backpacks was one of the organizations that received $3,000 from the hospital.
They say the money is meant to enhance and improve the health and well being of youth and elderly in the four county areas of Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga, and Ontonagon.
The hospitals auxiliary group is responsible for the donations. The auxiliary group operates the gift shop and sponsors a number of sales throughout the year. Twice a year they give grants to nonprofit organizations. A total of eight groups were presented with checks today.
Joan Antila is with Portage Health Auxiliary and says, “Well it’s our mission to serve the needs of the youth and elderly. We originally were able to support the hospital itself. But, since the hospital became a for profit organization that’s no longer appropriate and we chose to go to various nonprofit organizations and serving those people that we wish to serve.”
Besides 31 Backpacks, Hancock Public Schools also received $2000 and the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Education fund also got $1500.