Photo courtesy of Sharon Middlemis-Brown CCAM managers Lynn Lanyon and Donna Effinger take a group photo outside their Calumet building.

CALUMET — Copper Country Angel Mission is working hard to provide winter clothing and Christmas gifts to children in needy areas.

Every year, this Calumet-based non-profit organization organizes children’s winter clothing events to provide the community with a variety of clothing, including coats, snow pants, boots, hats and gloves.

The clothing is distributed in the group's "free store" on Kalumet 5th Street, and all items are provided free of charge.

"Most of these items are donated, some of us donate some used coats and pants, and so on," said Shirley Midemis-Brown, a member of the board of directors of the Angel Mission of the Copper Country. "We have received strong support from the community, including community businesses that often donate brand new items."

Middlemis-Brown said that in previous years, the group has distributed more than 400 jackets in a season. This year, they are likely to exceed this number in the distribution of coats.

The photo provided by Sharon Middlemis-Brown Angel Tree Gifts shows various gifts directly donated to CCAM. They choose from these gifts to increase the sponsor’s purchases of individual children and to satisfy the wishes of the children who register at the last minute for Christmas gifts.

“We try to maintain a variety of sizes, which means that occasionally if someone comes in with an unusual venue size, we will buy something for them,” she continued. "No fees are involved. However, if people can provide donations, we would be grateful, because then we can further support our plan."

The Copper Country Angel Mission was originally conceived as part of Calumet Presbyterian Church in the 1990s. When the church closed, community members stepped in to continue their humanitarian work. Over time, the group continued to expand and develop, and eventually changed its name to the Angel Mission of Copper Country.

Today, the non-profit company serves four counties from its Calumet location. The organization’s goal is to help overcome the effects of local poverty, and its mission is to "promote community welfare by serving those in need with compassion and dignity."

In addition to winter clothing sports and free shops, the Angels also carried out several other humanitarian activities.

In August, the charity distributed backpacks and school supplies to local children. It also operates a pantry that will provide more than 10,000 pounds of food in 2020. The pantry is located next door to the Calumet free store, open every Wednesday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm

Even in the face of the challenge of COVID-19, the group continues to serve the region.

“Before the COVID, we were actually doing giveaways around the four-county area. Since the COVID, we have found it safer and easier to do this in the store,” explained Midmis-Brown. "As a result, we have set aside longer for the overcoat giveaway, and we will do well throughout the winter so that people can find us and get what they need."

Currently, Angel Mission is carrying out its Angel Tree Project, which provides Christmas gifts to children in the area.

"Families can sign up for Christmas gifts for their children. They can get two wants and two needs-what they may want, and then what they may need, such as snow pants or boots," Angel Mission Committee Explained the member Paul Turinimi.

"Then people can come in and fund these families," he continued. "They go shopping, look for the things on the sheets, what they want and need, and then bring them back to Angel Mission. We call the family and they come to pick up gifts so the children can eat something for Christmas. All this is anonymous, they will never know the names of their family members."

All the actions of Angel Mission are organized and executed by volunteers, including Midmis-Brown and Turinimi, both of whom plan to volunteer on Friday afternoon.

The Tongxiang Angel Group welcomes donations and volunteers. Individuals interested in learning more can visit the group’s Facebook page or its website, ccangelmission.org.

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