The logo for Pride de Noc, an Escanaba-based group that aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ people in the area. (Courtesy image)

ESCANABA — A local organization wants to create personalized winter gift bundles for LGBTQ+ elders and youth in the community “who may be experiencing isolation, financial strain, housing instability, or a difficult holiday season.”

Pride de Noc is a relatively new group that formed earlier this year and has had a handful of events meant to provide welcoming environments and support to queer people and allies of all ages.

The “Winter Rainbow Boxes” project aims to be a “grassroots community-care initiative designed to bring warmth, comfort, and queer joy to LGBTQ+ individuals during the winter season,” organizers said.

An online form allows people to sign up to receive boxes themselves or nominate others they know. Elders should be age 70 or older, or in a residential care facility. Youth are considered age 12 to 19, according to a news release.

Questions include what holiday or winter tradition the recipient celebrates or connects with, their favorite colors, interests, allergies and more.

“Each box includes essentials, treats, and affirming items — hand-selected with care based on the recipient’s preferences,” Pride de Noc President Spencer Jordan-Keech wrote. “We also offer a safe, discreet option for closeted individuals who cannot receive rainbow or pride-branded items.”

The boxes may be either collected or delivered.

The sign-up and nomination form for requesting winter boxes is available at https://forms.gle/Y1G7g3vE7dWFyWKj7 and on the Pride de Noc Facebook page.

The group had received no submissions as of Monday morning.

“Even sharing the link on social media or with a friend or sharing our Facebook post can help us reach someone who needs a little warmth this winter,” Jordan-Keech wrote. “Thank you for supporting this work and helping us care for our community during the coldest months of the year.”

Questions about Pride de Noc’s winter boxes or other group initiatives can be directed to pridedenoc@gmail.com.