Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign collects 6,000 pounds of food in Ironwood

WAKEFIELD - Three food pantries in Ironwood, Bessemer and Watersmeet, were given thousands of pounds of food during a recent food drive by the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post.

The drive was Oct. 13-26, and was part of the statewide Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign.

According to MSP 1st Lt. Donald Horn, the Wakefield post collected around 6,000 pounds of food during the posts "Stuff a Goose" campaign, aimed at filling a trooper's patrol vehicle, also called a goose.

"The community really kicked it into high gear," Horn said.

Community members were able to purchase $5 grab bags at Super One to donate to the campaign, or could donate items at the post. Super One offered a 100 percent match on all bags sold, and also made a donation on its own.

Other local businesses donated, including a $1,000 check from Don Funk, of Funk's Lodge on Lake Gogebic.

To help move all the donated items, students in the National Honor Society at A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer volunteered their time to help on Wednesday. Around 15 students participated.

Food was delivered to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantries in Ironwood and Bessemer and the Lac Vieux Desert food pantry in Watersmeet.

"Thanks to everyone who donated," Horn said.

For more information, call the MSP Wakefield Post at 906-229-5372.