Sleeper Lakes Fire Shirt Sales To Benefit Upper Peninsula Food Bank

Proceeds from the sale of Tshirts commemorating this summer's Sleeper Lakes Fire have been donated to the Eastern Upper Peninsula Food Bank to assist those in need in Luce County. Sale of the shirts raised a donation of nearly $1,900 for the food bank, and money is still coming in, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported December 18.

The Sleeper Lakes Fire, the third largest in Michigan's history, was started by lightning August 2, and grew to 18,185 acres before it was controlled.

The fire occurred about six miles north of Newberry.

"It is fairly common on big fires that shirts are designed to commemorate the firefighting efforts," said Scott Heather, Department of Natural Resources state wildfire supervisor. "Because the community rallied in such a supportive manner to assist the DNR and others during the Sleeper Lakes Fire, it was appropriate that proceeds from the shirt sales be given back to the community that gave so much to the firefighters."

The American Red Cross works closely with the Eastern U.P. Food Bank to help those in need, especially during the Christmas holiday.

The donation from the shirt sales allowed the Red Cross and the Food Bank to purchase more than 12,000 pounds of food for Luce County citizens in need.

During the four and one-half weeks the fire was active, the Luce County community rallied in support of the firefighting effort, taking in laundry, and providing baked goods and lunch for hundreds of firefighters.

Cash donations were made to a local food market, where supplies were purchased to help feed the fire crews.

Organizations provided meals at no charge.

Support items of all kinds were donated, from socks to energy drinks and boots.

A canteen with many items was opened and those working on the fire could pick up what they needed at no charge.

Many evenings, as the firefighters came off the line, citizens of the community would line the main street, waving signs and cheering the firefighters.

Overall, Luce County citizens saved the state thousands of dollars owing to their high level of support, the DNR reported.

The T-shirt was designed by Bill Sterrett, DNR Forest Unit manager in Cadillac, and was produced by a Baraga print shop. Shirts are still available by contacting the Luce County Community Resource Recreation Center in Newberry, Josie's Posies in Curtis, and Papa Reggie's and the IGA Store in Newberry.