Photo provided by Renee Touriniemi Angel Tree volunteer Deb Siira sorts boxes of items for the program's upcoming distribution.

CALUMET – The Copper Country Angel Mission is still receiving registration applications from families in need for its Angel Tree program, two weeks after the registration period closed, says Angel Mission Volunteer Renee Tuoriniemi.

Registration for the Angel Tree Program closed Dec. 1. The registration was for those needing assistance providing gifts for their children this Christmas. On Nov. 28, Renee Tuoriniemi, said that Dec. 1 was the absolute deadline for registration, because the Mission needs time to match families with a sponsor.

“And as always, there’s always late registrations,” Tuoriniemi said, “and we’re doing our best.”

While the registration officially closed two weeks ago, there is no deadline for donations which, she said, they are in need of.

“The financial donations are to help offset some of the stuff that we’re purchasing,” she said. “And also, the same thing for the winter wear. I’ve been ordering snow pants, boots, gloves, you name it.”

On Dec. 12, Tuoriniemi posted on the Angel Mission social media page the need for fleece blankets and throws for the Angel Tree program.

While the Angel Tree and Coat the Copper Country are separate campaigns, they are both facing challenges meeting the community’s needs.

“Monetary donations will be used to help replenish what we’ve been purchasing.” said Tuoriniemi.

Tuoriniemi said Tuoriniemi said the Angel Mission’s outreach has increased tremendously this year. But so have prices on needed items.

“There is so much need, it just astounds me,” Tuoriniemi said. “But, you know, it’s all about the money and the rising costs, the pair of boots that were 20 bucks at Walmart are $35 now.”

The Angel Mission is requesting monetary donations to help with purchasing items.

“We’ll continue accepting donations through at least Friday, Dec. 19 for Angel Tree,” she said, “and through the end of February for Coat the Copper Country.”

The Angel Mission is trying to provide the fleece blankets along with a stuffed animal, which will top off the gifts for each child on the Angel Tree program list.

Angel Mission volunteers will be at the Calumet Elks Lodge on Tuesday and Wednesday for pick-up as well as delivery.