Courtesy photo The mitten tree at Star Staffing Alpena last year was filled with donations intended to help local children warm during the winter. This year’s mitten drive in Alpena is ongoing.

Star Staffing Alpena in Alpena is starting its annual Mitten Drive. It started doing the drive in 2017 by collecting mittens, scarves, hats, boots, coats, and snowpants to give out to local schools, it said in a press release on Saturday.

“We feel it is necessary to help the families that struggle to purchase these items and the schools have extras when the kids lose them.” said Pam Richardson president of Star Staffing Alpena. Holly Miller, Office Manager of Star Staffing Alpena, has been active in organizing and donating these items to our local schools, including; the Alpena High School, Thunder Bay Junior High, All Saints Catholic School, and all of the elementary schools; Besser, Ella White, Hinks, Immanual, Lincoln, Sanborn, and Wilson.

“There is a big need for these. We have had people stop by before and after the drive looking for winter gear.” says Holly Miller.

The drive runs now until Dec.5.

Donations can be dropped off at 537 W. Chisholm Street between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday- Friday.

Pick up may also be available if people are unable to make it during those hours.

For more information call 989-356-2999 or check out Star Staffing’s Facebook page and watch the mitten tree grow over the upcoming weeks.