Photo courtesy of Keweenaw Health Foundation Jenn Jenich-Laplander, executive director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation (center) presents a $1,000 to the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office for the No Kid Without a Christmas.

KEWEENAW COUNTY – Christmas for children in Keweenaw County got a bit brighter this week, thanks to generous donations from the Keweenaw Health Foundation (KCF) and the CLK Rotary Club to the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office No Kid Without a Christmas campaign.

On Wednesday, the Keweenaw Health Foundation presented Sheriff Curt Pennala and Undersheriff Tanya Mattila with a check for $1,000. On the same day, they also received a donation of $2,500 from the CLK Rotary Club.

Jen Jenich-Laplander, executive director of the KCF, said in a Wed. release the “No Kid Without a Christmas” program has been a cherished tradition for decades, bringing together law enforcement, community members, and local partners to brighten the holidays for children in need.

“This donation will help purchase toys, clothing, and essential items for families throughout the county,” she said. . “We’re honored to contribute to an effort that brings hope and happiness to so many Keweenaw County families during the holiday season.”

Pennala said the donations came at a good time. “Right now, we have a good number of families who’ve trickled in,” he said. “We’ve received requests from 20 families already.” Pennala said the CLK Rotary Club has been contributing to the campaign for years.

“As long as I’ve been here,” he said, “the Rotary Club has been teaming up with us.”

Every year, the Rotary Club conducts a fundraising drive for the program, and has generously donated to it. They assist more than just monetarily, said Pennala. It has become a tradition for Rotary Club members to help with removing tags from merchandize prior to distribution.

Last year, the Garden View Assisted Living facility’s director, who is a Rotary Club member, brought some of the facility’s residents along to help with preparing items for distribution.

“The Rotary Club has been a big part of the Kids’ Christmas program up here as far back as I can remember,” Pennala.

The official deadline for families to register is Dec. 8. Pennala said as of Wednesday, 20 families had already registered.

“Usually we get about 30,” he said, “and shopping is underway.”

Requests usually include toys, but also winter clothing like boots, coats, hats, and mittens. In addition, said Pennala, requests also include bedding like blankets and comforters, sheets and pillows.

Requests are for children of all ages, he said, which makes monetary donations convenient.

“You know, the monetary donations, they’re really helpful,” Pennala said. “Here we got a lot of older kids, and they can have specific requests, so it’s really nice.”

The monetary donations allow staff to shop for the proper size jackets, boots, and other winter items.

“Thankfully, at this point w’re able to provide some that stuff now,” he said.