Staff of the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office are busy with the 26th year of No Kid Without a Christmas. (Photo courtesy of Sheriff Curt Pennala)

KEWEENAW COUNTY — For the 26th year, the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office has launched its No Kid Without a Christmas campaign, says Sheriff Curt Pennala.

Pennala said this year’s campaign began a when some of the families in the program started reaching out the Sheriff’s Office about three weeks ago, before the launch was announced.

In the past couple of years, the program has served approximately 100 children, but this year the number has increased substantially, which Pennala attributed partially to the rate of inflation since last Christmas season.

“Also, we’re seeing larger families this year,” he added.

While some families make requests for their children in person or by telephone, the Sheriff’s Office also receives a list of families in need from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, at the beginning of every December.

 “Parents have their children write down what they want or what they need,” Pennala said, “and Santa’s elves go out and shop for the items on the wish list.”

The Sheriff’s Office happily accepts donations of clothing and toys. But as in past years, the biggest need is monetary donations. Those allow his staff, along with Santa’s elves, to shop for and purchase specific items on the list, as well as proper sizes, when included.

One part of goal is to tailor the program to individual children. The primary focus is on winter clothing, including hats, mittens or gloves, jackets, snow pants and boots, if those needs are expressed.

The second part is try to fulfill the child’s wish list.

“Christmas for a lot of us,” said Pennala, “is a time of joy, warmth and celebration. But, we know a lot of the families firsthand in the program are going through struggles right now. There’s a lot sadness.”

The program, however, makes a difference, he said.

“For us to be a part of this, to deliver the gifts, to see tears of joy that you see on the families’ faces,” said Pennala, “it’s all worth it.”

Pennala said that while his office delivers the gifts, it would not be possible without the support from the community and donors, and the help of the elves who do the shopping.

It is a busy time. Gift delivery is timed for the week of Christmas.

“We try to deliver the week that the children are out of school for Christmas Break,” Pennala said.

Last year, the first day of the break was on Monday, Dec. 18. This year, however, Christmas Recess it is five days later, Dec. 23, just two days before Christmas.

There are drop boxes at the Sheriff’s Office, in Eagle River, and also at Lassila Insurance Agency, and at Sunday in the Park, both in Mohawk.