BTS donates as part of Pay It Forward challenge

By TERRI CASTELAZ

Staff writer

IRON MOUNTAIN  -- CJ Graphics launched its "You've been mugged" effort in December to encourage simple acts of kindness -- and put some of the Kingsford company's old "ugly" mugs to good use.

The focus was to spread good works to others during the holiday season.

Thanks to the community's determination and compassion, the idea became much more, company officials said.

In just 16 days, the treat-filled mugs with the message to "pay it forward" raised more than $57,000.

"These donations have made a large impact and touched the lives of many during the holiday season," said Sharon Socia of CJ Graphics. "Because of you, help was made available to many deserving families experiencing illness and financial hardship."

CJ Graphics also set another challenge as part of the Pay It Forward effort -- the participating group that drew the most "likes" and "shares" on CJ Graphics' Facebook could choose a charity or non-profit to receive a $250 donation.

The winner was Breitung Township Schools, which had a "Fill the Stocking Campaign" at Woodland Elementary and Kingsford Middle and High schools to benefit 3-year-old Curtis Frame IV and his family. Curtis was diagnosed with Type I spinal muscular atrophy when only 8 months old.

"Woodland does a collection for a charity each month," said Mary Carlson, assistant principal at Woodland Elementary. "We were a little worried about doing it because we had recently done one and also being Christmas time."

She added, "I'm amazing how much they raised in such a short time."

For the $250 donation, Breitung Township Schools chose the Light at the Inn and the soup kitchen at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

The soup kitchen at First Presbyterian serves a free community meal at 5 p.m. every Monday in the church hall.

"We have been doing this for 13 years now," said Scott Lewellyn, soup kitchen volunteer.

In addition to the weekly dinners, they also offer a Christmas meal to more than 700 local residents each year.

"This is more than 100,000 meals served -- that's a lot of dishes," Lewellyn said with a smile.

The donation will help greatly with needs for the kitchen. "This initiative for the community was a great idea -- we appreciate Breitung Township thinking of us for their donation," adds Lewellyn.

The Light at the Inn has area churches in winter offering emergency shelter for Dickinson County homeless on a rotating basis each day from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. All guests must be 18 or older.

"These funds are very much appreciated," said Kristy Ryan, Light at the Inn coordinator.

The Light at the Inn provides cots, bedding, towels and other accommodations for guests, along with a meal and a bag lunch to take AS they leave the shelter.

They also provide daily transportation to and from the shelter.

Socia said the Pay It Forward initiative gave her a different perspective on what is possible.

"Everyone can make a positive difference in the world," Socia said. "Continue to 'Pay It Forward' year round and remind yourself a simple act of kindness can go a very long way.

Other businesses and organizations that took part in the Pay It Forward initiative and their recipient include:

-- Niagara School District kicked off the challenge and raised awareness for SMA, Believing For Blake, finding a cure for SMA;

-- Coleman Engineering donated to the Salvation Army of Dickinson and Gogebic Counties;

-- Norway-Vulcan Area School District and Youth Advisory Council purchased items for Christmas in the Community;

-- M.J. Electric donated to St. Vincent de Paul;

-- CCI Systems Inc. donated to Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center for their Butterfly Wish Program and Holiday Programs;

-- Boss Snowplow donated to Hearts and Soles of 906;

-- Trident IMECO Division donated to Christmas to Families in Need;

-- Champion Inc. of Iron Mountain gave a family a Christmas to remember and provided a generator;

-- The Daily News contributed St. Vincent de Paul food pantry;

-- The Advertiser send a gift to Cory Groenveld, who recently had a kidney transplant;

-- Aspirus Hospital of Iron River raised money for an employee who needs a kidney transplant;

-- Lake Shore Inc. donated to Jeans for a Cause Campaign at Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community;

-- Freeman Nursing Home donated dinner to Golden Assisted Living employees after being temporarily displaced by a fire;

-- Results Broadcasting donated to the Cancer Loan Closet;

-- Dickinson County Healthcare System donated to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign;

-- First National Bank and Trust donated Christmas to Families in Need;

-- Edwards Automotive of Iron Mountain donated to Salvation Army;

-- Danielson Insurance donated to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Fill the Pantry.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 39, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.