On Saturday, volunteers from the Copper Country Angel Mission and the local Salvation Army,”unloaded the bus.” In other words, they distributed more than 300 backpacks, loaded with school supplies to families in need. The backpacks, and other assorted school necessities, were distributed to the approximately 400 students registered for the “Stuff the Bus” effort.

Earlier in the month, a large school bus was parked in front of the Houghton Walmart. Shoppers were encouraged to purchase items from lists of things needed by families in need. The is not the first time the Angel Mission has conducted this type of operation, but it was the first time they did it with the partnership of the Salvation Army.

The result was an overwhelming success. And another reason why the Keweenaw, and especially those who live here, is a remarkable place. Unfortunately there are needs in this area — poverty, food insecurity and lack of affordable housing — issues that are not limited to larger cities. Fortunately, the Keweenaw is home to people and organizations who mission is to help others. Many of these organizations are faith-based, but not all. Regardless of affiliation, there are scores of folks who look for an opportunity to help and then do so.

We saw this first hand Saturday in Hancock and with the second supply pickup going on today through Saturday at the Angel Mission in Calumet.

It is heart breaking to think there are children would be going back to school without needed supplies — but it is heart warming to know that number has been reduced by about 400 thanks to work of the Salvation Army, Copper Country Angel Mission and Houghton Walmart and the generosity of our neighbors here in the Copper Country