Noah Johnson Daily Press Volunteers of St. Vincent de Paul sort through clothes and toys in the Ruth Butler building at the U.P. State Fairgrounds for the annual Christmas baskets initiative. The organization is servicing over 250 families this year.

ESCANABA — Local organizations are working to ensure everyone can celebrate this holiday season regardless of financial status.

Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul in Escanaba are giving back to the community through Christmas baskets.

Both organizations put on the program each year, looking to spread holiday cheer for every person.

Volunteers from both organizations provide toys and food to those in need this year, ensuring every family can celebrate.

St. Vincent de Paul spent the past week at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in the Ruth Butler building, organizing and packing Christmas baskets. Approximately 25 volunteers worked throughout the week to ensure the baskets were ready to be handed out to hundreds of families.

“There are 252 households or families this year,” said Renee Ryan, chair of the Christmas baskets project.

She said the numbers are down from last year, so she hopes families in need find other resources, such as the Salvation Army.

Households or families that sign up receive a ‘Santa bag’ full of toys for the youth and a food basket for the entire day, so the family does not need to worry about buying ingredients for a holiday meal, including ham.

The Salvation Army in Escanaba is also hard at work, organizing Christmas baskets full of food and preparing the toy shop for well over 100 families.

“300 kids will be served through our toy shop, which is up significantly over last year. Last year, we did just over 200 kids,” said Salvation Army Captain Doug Winters.

The food basket includes ingredients for a holiday meal and a gift certificate to Elmer’s to purchase meat of the family’s choosing.

Those registered for the toy shop get to walk through the store set up by the Salvation Army and choose which toys or games they would like to give their children.

“An elf walks through the toy shop with them to help them select gifts,” Winters explained.

In addition to the toy shop, the Salvation Army will also deliver toys to the Manistique area.

“For some of the families, they would not have a Christmas like this if it were not for the generosity of the community,” Winters said.

Both Ryan and Winters recognized the efforts of volunteers and the community’s giving nature, saying that because of their efforts and teamwork, more families and individuals get the whole Christmas experience.

“It really is a team effort,” Ryan said.

Winters echoed Ryan, saying, “We have a great group of volunteers.”

Angel Trees, can-a-thons, Toys for Tots, local churches, OSF, and many other community members provided the donations.

“It’s such a great time of year, and it’s meant to be celebrated by everybody,” Winters said.