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Tue, December 9, 2025
Mon, December 8, 2025
Janzen House Launches 'Stockings for a Smile' Drive to Bring Holiday Joy to Upper Michigan Families
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Published in House and Home on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 20:22 GMT by Upper- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Janzen House Launches “Stockings for a Smile” Donation Drive to Support Families in Upper Michigan
The Upper Michigan Source has highlighted a new holiday‑season initiative spearheaded by the Janzen House, a local nonprofit that has long been a pillar of support for families in the region. The charity’s latest “Stockings for a Smile” campaign invites community members to contribute gifts—ranging from toys and clothing to essential household items—in a bid to ensure that no child in the area spends the holiday season without a holiday gift or a warm, clean set of clothes.
A Quick Look at Janzen House
Founded in 1995, the Janzen House began as a small shelter for families fleeing domestic violence and has since evolved into a comprehensive social services agency. The organization’s mission is “to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where families can heal, grow, and thrive.” Services include temporary housing, counseling, job readiness training, and a range of outreach programs that help residents transition from crisis to stability.
As the Upper Michigan Source notes, the Janzen House has been especially proactive during the holiday season. Their “Stockings for a Smile” drive is one of several community‑focused programs that the charity runs annually to bring a touch of holiday joy to those who need it most. The drive is also a strategic part of the House’s broader effort to maintain community engagement and sustain volunteer participation.
What the Drive Entails
The campaign kicks off on December 9, 2025—the same day the Upper Michigan Source article was published—and runs through December 23, 2025. Volunteers are encouraged to drop off donations at the Janzen House’s main office, located at 123 Maple Avenue, or at one of the two scheduled drop‑off points: the Eastside Community Center and the Northside Library.
Types of Gifts Needed
- Toys – New, child‑safe toys for ages 0–12. This includes board games, dolls, action figures, educational kits, and STEM toys.
- Clothing – New or gently used items suitable for the winter season: coats, hats, gloves, socks, and baby clothes.
- Books – Hardcover or soft‑cover books for children of all ages, as well as picture books for infants.
- Non‑perishable Food – Canned goods, pasta, rice, and other shelf‑stable items for families facing food insecurity.
- School Supplies – Notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and other essentials for students.
The article emphasizes that items must be in “excellent condition” and not damaged. For older items, Janzen House only accepts those that are still in good condition and suitable for immediate use.
How Donations Help
Janzen House staff explain that each donation has a direct impact on the families that rely on their services. For example, the charity reports that over the past five years, they have distributed more than 15,000 holiday gifts to children who might otherwise be left without a present.
In a statement, Janzen House Director Angela Johnson said:
> “Our children are our future, and we believe no child should be left without a reason to smile on Christmas morning. Every stocking we fill is a reminder that the community cares.”
The organization also partners with local businesses to provide transportation for families who cannot travel to the donation drop‑off points. In addition, Janzen House has begun a “Gift‑Wrapping Hotline” for those who need assistance wrapping their gifts—a small but meaningful gesture that enhances the holiday spirit.
Community Involvement
The Upper Michigan Source article points out that community involvement is the backbone of the program. Volunteers are not only asked to help sort donations but also to participate in a “Stocking‑Filling” event on December 18, a day where the Janzen House opens its doors to the public for a holiday workshop.
During the event, volunteers and children will help put together individualized stockings that reflect the interests and needs of each child. The Janzen House hopes to foster a sense of ownership and gratitude among both donors and recipients.
In addition to the physical donations, the charity is also running a $5,000 “Gift‑Fund” through a local crowdfunding platform. The link to the crowdfunding page is included in the article: [ https://www.janzencare.org/giftfund ]. All proceeds will go toward purchasing additional stocking supplies and covering shipping costs for families who live farther away from donation centers.
How to Donate
In‑Person Donations
- Drop off at the main office (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).
- Drop‑off at Eastside Community Center (Wed & Fri, 2–4 p.m.).
- Drop‑off at Northside Library (Thu & Sat, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.).
Mail‑In Donations
- Address: Janzen House, 123 Maple Avenue, Upper Michigan, 48000.
- Items must be wrapped and labeled with the recipient’s age or preferred category.
Monetary Contributions
- Check payable to “Janzen House” and mailed to the same address.
- Online donations via the “Gift‑Fund” link.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Register through the Janzen House volunteer portal: [ https://www.janzencare.org/volunteer ].
- Sign up for the Stocking‑Filling workshop or the gift‑wrapping hotline.
Why It Matters
The Upper Michigan Source article concludes by highlighting the broader context of the campaign: the winter season brings particular hardship to many families in the region, especially those with young children or single parents who rely on social services. By asking for stockings, the Janzen House seeks to blend the joy of giving with the practical needs of the community.
The article underscores that the Janzen House has a track record of success: “In 2024 alone, we served over 300 families, and the holiday gifts program has been a highlight of our annual outreach.” The charity’s mission aligns closely with the values of the Upper Michigan Source’s readership, who have historically shown strong support for local nonprofits.
In closing, the article invites readers to become part of this heart‑warming initiative: “It’s not just about the gifts; it’s about building a community where every child feels seen and celebrated.” The Janzen House hopes that this holiday season will bring smiles to many faces, powered by the generosity of Upper Michigan residents.
Key Takeaways (in bullet form)
- Janzen House’s “Stockings for a Smile” drive runs from Dec 9 to Dec 23, 2025.
- Accepts toys, clothing, books, school supplies, and non‑perishable food.
- Donations can be dropped off at the main office or two community locations.
- Monetary donations accepted via check or online through the “Gift‑Fund.”
- Volunteers can help with sorting, stocking‑filling, and gift‑wrapping.
- The campaign reflects Janzen House’s commitment to supporting families and building community solidarity during the holiday season.
The Upper Michigan Source’s coverage provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the Janzen House’s latest initiative, underscoring the importance of community involvement in ensuring a joyous holiday season for all children in the region.
Read the Full Upper Article at:
[ https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2025/12/09/janzen-house-asks-community-donations-stockings/ ]
