Winter is coming. And the piles of snow will soon return to the Keweenaw Peninsula.
In a region where winter dominates the climate, the Copper Country Angel Mission and Salvation Army of Hancock want to make sure kids, seniors and workers have the jacket, gloves and hat they’ll need to stay warm. The Coat The Copper Country program has worked over several years to connect people in need with quality winter gear. In 2025 the Angel Mission and Salvation Army estimate the program served more than 400 people at the main distribution site.
“And each of those individuals were able to select two of the higher ticket items, the snow pants, jackets, and boots,” shared program coordinator Renee Tuoriniemi. “And then everyone was able to pick out gloves and mittens and scarves. So in addition, after those first distribution dates, our store, we estimate we served another 250 people.”
The Coat the Copper Country program has grown through the collaborative efforts by Copper Country Angel Mission and the local Salvation Army center. In the past each ran separate programs. But found working together in recent years has reached more residents. The distribution sites will see residents from as far as Ontonagon and Baraga counties travel to pick up gear.
Well the first distribution we decided was going to be up north and the space that was offered is a CLK multi-purpose room,” said Salvation Army coordinator Carol Plichta. “It’s going to be October 17th, which is a Saturday, from 9 to 2. Then the second distribution dates are in Hancock at the Salvation Army Bread of Life Center.”
The Copper Country Angel Mission and Salvation Army have several items already in stock. The groups ask donations to include waterproof or resistant gloves and hats, lightly worn men’s jackets. Another important item the program collects are snowpants that students will wear while enjoying recess or a fun snow day.
“You know, those are like a one season item anymore. They’re not lasting two or three seasons like they would before. And the price has doubled in the last five years of those snow pants. The other item that we’re always in need of are men’s boots too,” shared Tuoriniemi. “This year, I know we’re starting off with the first distribution well stocked with men’s jackets, but by the time the second week comes around for the Salvation Army, which is two day distribution, we will be short of men’s jackets and the boots.”
On Friday the Copper Country Angel Mission will host the first Coat The Copper Country Winter Gear Distribution Site in Calumet. The next site will set up in Hancock at the Salvation Army Bread Of Life Center on Quincy Street over two days. Collection boxes have been set up around the community at many local businesses, churches, and community organizations.
Volunteers interested in helping sort items for the distribution site should contact the Copper Country Angel Mission or Salvation Army. Families and individuals that need to register for the program can find more information online.
Distribution dates:
October 17th, 9:00-2:00, CLK Multipurpose Room, Calumet
October 23rd, 4:00-7:00 (emphasis on kids!) and October 24th, 9:00-1:00, both at The Salvation Army of Hancock
Houghton Hancock area:
the Salvation Army Bread of Life Center
Incredible Bank
Auto Pro Glass and Tire
Walmart
CLK area:
Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital
Incredible Bank
41 Lumber
Eagle Harbor Township Office
Loading Zone in Lake Linden
Additional collection sites:
Shining Light Church
Gloria Day First United Methodist in Hancock
Good Shepherd
Grace United Methodist
Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist
Portage Lake United
St. Peter’s and Paul
Trinity Episcopal
Holy Trinity Church of Chassell
