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)

EAGLE RIVER – The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s is gearing up for its 27th Annual No Kid Without a Christmas campaign, says Sheriff Cutt Pennala. On Monday, Keweenaw County announced applications for the program are now being accepted. The application is available on the county’s website.

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.

“Christmas for a lot of us is a time of joy, warmth and celebration, Pennala said. “But, we know a lot of the families firsthand in the program are going through struggles right now. There’s a lot sadness.” That does not limit who is eligible to make requests, however. “Our mission has always been simple: Ensuring every child in Keweeanw County experiences the joy and warmth of Christmas,” Pennala said, “no matter their family’s financial situation.”

Pennala said that as with past years, the department accepts donations of clothing and toys, but the biggest need is monetary donations, because monetary donations allow his staff and his team of “elves,” to purchase items that are specifically listed as needed on the list received every year. “Beyond essentials, we work hard to provide the gifts the children are wishing for,” said Pennala.

While numbers fluctuate from 80 to 100 kids in need from year to year,” Pennala said, “we’re always at about 30 families. Parents have their children write down what they want or what they need and Santa’s elves go out and shop for the items on the wish list.”

Pennala said the spirit of the people throughout the county never stop impressing him. “It’s the community support is amazing, because every year in the fall, monetary donations start rolling in,” said Pennala, “even before we start to promote the program. The community just knows. It’s part of the Keweenaw County now.”

Pennal said it seems as though No Kid Without a Christmas has become an important tradition of Keweenaw. “We’re really proud of that,” he said, “but what we’re really proud of is how the communtiy supports itself. We’re just one, little piece of the puzzle.”

For more information on the No Kids Without a Christmas campaign, please contact the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 906-337-0528. Drop off locations for donatations are at: Allouez BP, Dollar General, Lassila Insurance, Sunday in the Park.