Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
SANTA'S HEADQUARTERS tree in the Wells Fargo on Cloverland Drive Tuesday. Similar trees are located in area businesses where people can pick a gift tag and bring a $10-20 gift back to the same location. Through the generosity of the community Santa's Headquarters has provided gifts to over 4,000 kids in its 12 year existence.
By IAN MINIELLY
Ironwood - With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the man in the red and white puffy suit is not wasting anytime in setting up headquarters in the area to support those in need of gifts for their children at Christmas.
According to Santa's Headquarters, in 2016 more than 400 kids received presents in Gogebic County through the Santa's Headquarters effort. Last year, families received $50 gift certificates for groceries, one large toy for each kid, one blanket per family, movie tickets, stocking stuffers, toiletry items, tooth brushes and toothpaste, and hats and mittens.
Donation of gifts valued between $10 and $20, left unwrapped, will be accepted at many locations in the area. People interested in giving gifts are asked to take an age appropriate gift tag from a Christmas tag tree in the area and return the gift to that same location. The deadline for returning gifts is Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. Monetary donations may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, attention Santa's Headquarters, 108 S. Marquette St., Ironwood, MI 49938.
Organizers are gathering Friday to compare sign-up lists and check it twice, according to Pat Niksich, at Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency. Niksich said it is the 12th year of Santa's Headquarters and they have served more than 4,000 kids so far. "The community is just outstanding; no one goes without a great gift," Niksich said.
Gift distribution in Ironwood is scheduled for Dec. 6 from 9:30-1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building. Distribution in Watersmeet is on Dec. 7 from 3-5 p.m. at the fire department.
