More than 1,300 children received Christmas presents and 1,600 food hampers found their way into appreciative hands this past holiday season thanks to the Chatham Goodfellows.
It marked the 69th year the organization of volunteers ensured “No Child Without a Christmas.”
The Goodfellows board said that thanks to corporate sponsors, local businesses, service clubs, schools, churches, volunteers and citizens, the effort was a success.
That collective effort saw in excess of $228,000 raised in support. Of that, the porchlight campaign raised $57,680 and the street sales campaign raised more than $30,700.
This money is used for buying toys, food and boots and shoes certificates that were given to each child.
The Goodfellows thanked the former owners of Monsignor Uyen School for giving them a temporary home for toy collection and sorting. The ownership group included Rob and Jessica Myers, Don Tatro and Darryl Clarke.
The building was sold in mid-December, and the Goodfellows were allowed to complete their task.
Local media, including The Chatham Voice, received kudos from the Goodfellows as well, for keeping campaign awareness in the forefront of citizens’ minds.
