The St. Ignace Kiwanis Club contributes $250 to help purchase helmets for the Learn to Skate program at Little Bear East Arena Monday, December 22. The program is offered Mondays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pictured (from left) are Kiwanis Club member Janet Peterson, Helen Thibault of the arena, and Lori Strich, Kiwanis Club treasurer. Three days before Christmas, St. Ignace Kiwanis Club representatives presented gifts to residents at Long Term Care, $500 to the St. Ignace Food Pantry to buy food for distribution, and $250 to the city Recreation Department to purchase helmets for those learning to skate.

It was the second year Long Term Care residents at Mackinac Straits Hospital received holiday gifts from the club. The bags of goodies, including a certificate to the hair salon, proved so popular last year the organization decided to continue the program, said Lynne Piippo, club president.

"We do a lot of things for children through the year," said Mrs. Piippo, "and this gives Kiwanis a chance to respect our elders."

Gift bags and money to pay for a salon visit were given to Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care residents Monday, December 22, from the St. Ignace Kiwanis Club. Pictured are (from left) St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce junior ambassadors Morgan Ray and Sharman Colegrove, joined by Recreation Therapist Treasa Paquin, Kiwanis Club Secretary Janet Peterson, President Lynne Piippo, and Treasurer Lori Strich. The salon certificate is helpful for those on limited budgets, said Mrs. Piippo. The service is not covered by other programs and this gives the residents a chance to get a haircut or other salon service.

The gift packages were assembled by St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce junior ambassadors Morgan Ray and Sharman Colegrove, who volunteered for the project. The sixth grade girls assembled 63 gift bags that included hand lotion, a card, salon certificate, and candy.

"It just gives me a good feeling," said Miss Colegrove after working on the project.

Miss Ray agreed. "I find it kind of fascinating to help out others," she said. "It makes me feel all warm inside."

At the Food Pantry, coordinator Tom Schenkel was surprised and appreciative when club secretary Janet Peterson and treasurer Lori Strich presented the organization with a $500 contribution to buy needed food. The pantry distributes the food to families in need of assistance.

"This year," said Mr. Schenkel, "we can really use this. So many people are hurting this year."

Across town at Little Bear East Arena, Helen Thibault of the recreation department was pleased to receive the $250 to buy helmets for students taking skating lessons.

The Kiwanis Club raised money for the gifts at a variety of local fundraisers throughout the year, including fish dinners and book sales.