News

Oct 17, 2024

Women's group donates blankets and sleeping bags for those in need in East Jordan

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A women's group in Charlevoix County helped donate blankets, sleeping bags and other supplies to those in need in East Jordan. The Charlevoix County Democrats'

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A women's group in Charlevoix County helped donate blankets, sleeping bags and other supplies to those in need in East Jordan.

The Charlevoix County Democrats' Women for Democracy Coffee Group donated more than $2,500 worth of supplies to OPERATION BLANKET on Wednesday.

The supplies includednew blankets, sleeping bags, bedsheets, fleece throws, pillows and slippers.

OPERATION BLANKET, which is in its second year of existence, grew out of the community's Secret Service program.

Organizers noticed some local children were writing letters to Santa asking for basic necessities like bedsheets and blankets, instead of asking for toys.

"We had one letter that brought us to tears," said chamber of commerce president Mary Faculak. "No 6-year-old girl should have to ask Santa for sheets and blankets."

The supplies will be available for pickup in the lobby of the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce on the following dates and times:

David Schweer, a volunteer and OPERATION BLANKET organizer, said his family struggled growing up and that he was eligible for the Toys for Tots program as a child.

"I remember how that felt when I was a child," Schweer said. "I wanted to pay it back."

OPERATION BLANKET is a community effort and is not officially sponsored by the chamber of commerce.

Those interested in learning more about the Women for Democracy group can call 231-753-8411.