Shelly’s Rainbow Bar to host benefit night for Ishpeming’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul

ISHPEMING — One bar in Ishpeming is collecting donations for a great cause this holiday season.

Shelly’s Rainbow Bar, located on East Canda Street, is holding its second annual benefit night for Ishpeming’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul on Saturday, December 7. The benefit will take place from 4:00 p.m. until closing time.

During the benefit, guests are asked to bring donations for the thrift store such as hats, socks, diapers, cleaning products, personal care items, and $25 Walmart gift cards.

Last year, the Rainbow Bar brought in enough donations to serve 79 families in the community, including 49 children.

“I was helping there last year, and I was in the back and saw that their pantry was empty,” said bartender Cindy Sleeman. “So I talked with them, and then I came back and talked to Shelly, and we decided to put it together within two weeks for the first year. So that’s how it started. Now we’re trying to get the word out to where people are aware that they are in need.”

“And we’re going to try to do it every year,” said owner Shelly Thibeault.

Donations can be brought in during the benefit, which will include live music, drink specials, door prizes, and other activities. If you can’t make it to the Rainbow Bar on December 7, you are welcome to drop off donations anytime before that date. Non-perishable food items may be brought in the night of the benefit to get 50¢ off a drink.

Shelly’s Bar staff will use the donations to put together Christmas baskets, which will be distributed on December 14th. 

Below is the full list of items needed by Monday, December 9. Money for turkeys is also needed, but those donations are needed by the last week of November.

• Long underwear (all sizes for men and women)
• Hats, gloves, and socks (men’s, women’s, and children’s)
• Personal hygiene items (shampoo, deodorant, soap, toilet paper, etc.)
• Cleaning supplies (dish detergent, sponges, disinfectant wipes, etc.)
• Diapers and wipes (all sizes)
• Pancake and cake mixes, syrup, and frosting
•  Canned food
•  Food for Christmas meals