CHEBOYGAN — The annual Coats for Kids coat drive and hockey game is returning to Cheboygan this Dec. 20.
The hockey game started back in 2018, said Sgt. Earl Manuel from the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department. He said he started the idea with Lt. Dean Tebo.
The idea first started when Tebo’s wife, who worked as a teacher in the area, noticed many students needed better winter gear.
Prior to the Coats for Kids fundraiser, a hockey game was hosted by the sheriff’s department for Toys for Tots.
Manuel said around 150-200 people end up in the crowd for each year’s charity game.
“We try to put it out there the best we can but I don’t think we’ve really had the reach we would like yet,” he said. “So far the attendance has been good and what we raise at them has been great.”
The hockey game brings the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Association and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #122 together to play against the Straits Area Mens League. Admission to the game is granted by bringing gently-used winter gear for children in Cheboygan County, or bringing a monetary donation.
The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the Cheboygan Ice Rink Pavilion.
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In addition to accepting donations at the game, people can drop off items at the sheriff’s department, AAA Credit Union, Citizens National Bank, Wheeler Chevrolet-Buick, Straits Area Federal Credit Union, Fernelius Toyota, Cheboygan Big Boy, Bishop GMC Cadillac and Urban Bird.
Additionally, there will be a patrol car at the Sacred Heart Church so people can drop off items at the Riggsville Redneck Christmas Parade.
Monetary donations will be accepted and used to purchase winter gear for children in Cheboygan.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham atkgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at@KarlyGrahamJRN.
