Project Keep Kids Warm is collecting donations to buy new jackets, snow pants, boots, hats and gloves for children across western Marquette County.

The volunteer-run program, organized through Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming, is in its 17th year of outfitting kids who need winter gear. Project Coordinator Dick Derby appeared on TV6 Morning News on Friday, Oct. 2, to spread the word about how residents can help.

"Winter's coming, and once again, the goal, the objective is to identify those kids that have some needs or perhaps don't have that kind of winter gear," Derby said.

The program works with school administrators in five districts to build lists of students who need clothing. Those districts are Negaunee, Ishpeming, NICE, Republic-Michigamme and Powell Township, according to the program's website. Local Head Start programs also participate.

Derby said winter clothing is expensive, and the program steps in once the program identifies what each child needs. All items are purchased new and delivered at no cost to families. Children from infants through age 18 are eligible, and no applications or income verification are required.

Last winter, the program served 384 children and distributed 1,705 items, including 349 jackets, 346 snow pants, 318 boots, 352 pairs of gloves and mittens, and 340 hats.

Derby told MyUPNow in a Sept. 25 article that the clothing gives children dignity. They go to school with nice things to wear on the playground and at the bus stop, he said.

The program runs entirely on volunteers.

How to help

Monetary donations can be made online at ishpemingwesley.org/ministries/keep-kids-warm or by mailing a check payable to Wesley United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 342, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

New winter clothing can be dropped off at Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock St. in Ishpeming, or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 521 U.S. 41 in Negaunee.

Residents can also volunteer to help sort, size and distribute clothing.