Photo courtesy of Sheriff Curt Pennala Keweenaw County Deputy Sheriff Tonya Stefonich poses by the Sheriff’s Office Christmas tree with a doll waiting for Christmas delivery to a new home with a happy child.

EAGLE RIVER – The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office is launching its 23rd No Kid Without a Christmas, Sheriff Curt Pennala announced on Wednesday.

Pennal said the program has been crucial in bringing Christmas to those in need.

“There are still many families in our community who, for many reasons, are less fortunate”, said Pennala. “We want to make sure that less fortunate children are not forgotten at Christmas”

“We are launching the campaign now” said Pennala. “It’s going to last until the end of the year.

Pennala said the usual procedure is to run the campaign over the two months, November and December, and whatever is left at the end of the year is used to start the next year.

“It has really worked (well) with the past year, with the coronavirus”, he said, “And make it harder to find toys and clothes as Christmas approaches. We were able to go out and shop a bit earlier.

Pennala said that, as in previous years, cash donations are appreciated as they help meet the specific needs of specific children, based on the information provided by those who submit a child’s name for the program. .

“One of the unique aspects of the No Children Without Christmas program is that it is tailored as much as possible to the needs and wants of children.” he explained. “Our volunteers can then go out and shop based on that. “

Monetary donations seem to be more suitable, he said, but they will obviously also accept any kind of children’s toys or clothing.

Pennala said that each year the program serves around 100 children, so it is a smaller program. For this reason, they are able to adapt it per child.

Teenagers are a little harder to buy, so if the sheriff’s office receives a list of their wants and needs, it is easier for volunteers to shop, based on that list.

Pennala said that on average most of their referrals are from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), but also, when MPs are out and make contact with various families, they will take referrals. Anyone wishing to add a reference to the list is also urged to call the sheriff’s office, he added.

The program is crucial for Keweenaw County, the sheriff said, and the past year has been a complete success.

“Last year we were able to offer a Christmas to everyone who signed up for the program. “

Pennala said it is sad that other county sheriff’s offices in the area do not run similar programs because they are a good PR event and allow department staff to get to know their members. community.

The program is entirely dedicated to children and, seeing that they are still living a Christmas that most have had the chance to experience, he said.

“It’s really heartwarming to see the community’s support for the program over the years” he said. “Without the generous donations, the program would not exist”

Families in need can call the sheriff’s office or apply through the local Department of Health and Human Services office. If you or someone you know would like to donate to the program, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 906-337-0528. Several drop boxes will be placed at local businesses throughout the community, including Glacia Tavern and Lassila Insurance in Mohawk.