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Two non-profit organizations in the Keweenaw Peninsula collaborate to coat the Copper Country. For several years the Copper Country Angel Mission has organized its coat campaign to supply free coats to residents in the western Upper Peninsula. Last year the group renamed the program Coat the Copper Country to show the impact of the program reaches beyond Calumet Laurium and Keweenaw.
The parents are so thankful, especially when the kids come in without any pair of boots. The schools call us that we have this child who has no snow pants. Do you have a size 7, or 8? So again, it’s the volunteers here who are so compassionate to our community’s needs that enable us to keep on working, keep on looking for all those gently used jackets, snow pants, and boots, so that we can provide the necessary items to our community. – Renee Tuoriniemi, Team Lead for Coat the Copper Country, Copper Country Angel Mission
CCAM typically runs its large program out of its free store located in Calumet. And the space can fill up fast. The partnership between the Salvation Army of Hancock and CCAM offers the program more space for customers to check out coats, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.
And so we’re happy to have it filled at this time of year and to be helpful. Angel Mission has been doing it and they don’t have as much space to do that kind of thing as we do. So we offered the facility and we’re hoping that it’s going to be easy for people to park and come into the Salvation Army and go through the gymnasium and pick out the sizes that fit. Their needs and get what they need for this winter season – Rhoda Clark, Office Assistant, Salvation Army
During Friday and Saturday, the program will distribute most of its inventory. During the hours the free store is open both organizations call on the community’s strong group of volunteers for support. Volunteers will help restock items and assist customers.
However, most churches in the area have a box at their site to be able to donate the used items. Walmart and Houghton, Auto Pro Glass and Tire, the Salvation Army, and again monetary donations are always welcome. – Renee Tuoriniemi, Team Lead for Coat the Copper Country, Copper Country Angel Mission
The Coat the Copper Country Campaign offers free coats, boots, gloves, hats, snow pants, and other winter gear for kids and residents in the western upper peninsula. Copper Country Angel Mission requests items donated to the program including waterproof gloves for kids during recess. Or monetary donations, which the organization can use to purchase specific items low in stock. The Coat the Copper Country Campaign has been supported by donations from Walmart in Houghton, and collaboration with the Salvation Army in Hancock.
Tomorrow from 5 to 7 pm the Salvation Army will open its doors for people picking out a winter coat. And then open again on Saturday from 10am to 2 pm. From Friday until Thanksgiving winter gear can be found at the Salvation Army in Hancock or at the Copper Country Angel Mission Calumet store. Those interested in learning more about the Copper Country Angel Mission or the Coat the Copper Country program can find more information here.
