The Chatham Goodfellows are gearing up for their 70th holiday season helping others.
Last year, the Goodfellows took in more than $228,000 in donations to help ensure their motto – “No Child Without a Christmas” – came true in Chatham.
Those funds and donations helped the Goodfellows get the food, toys, knitted items and boots-and-shoe certificates to help local children and their families.
The Goodfellows make it a point of emphasis to be sure to donate to one of their volunteers or at one of their drop locations.
“It’s very important that we collect our own donations of toys and food as well. This will guarantee your donation is going to our organization,” officials said.
Gathering the funds, the food, clothing and toys is no simple task. A team of volunteers help out at every turn.
“We look forward to having our volunteers back to help us celebrate and make our campaign successful,” Goodfellows officials said in a media release. “With your help, our hampers will be packed and delivered once again.”
Giving is one part of the campaign. Taking information of families in need begins Nov. 1. Goodfellows personnel said that date is for anyone who has applied for help in previous years. Applications will be accepted online at chathamgoodfellows.ca.
Others can begin applying Nov. 4 by calling 519-354-1146 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The application period closes Nov. 29. This allows the Goodfellows time to place orders with suppliers and prepare food and toy packages.
The Goodfellows urge anyone who can help to please do so.
“The cost of living has gotten out of control, making it difficult for people to pay their rent and buy groceries for their families. Our goal is to provide a Christmas dinner and toys so that everyone can enjoy the holiday season without any worries,” officials said.
The Goodfellows know they aren’t the only charity group seeking donations in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
“We are in constant contact with other agencies to avoid duplication and ensure that every applicant receives what they need,” officials said. “We also share what we have left after our campaign is over. Nothing will ever be wasted.”
FreeHelpCK, local soup kitchens and Outreach for Hunger are some of the organizations that benefit.
Donations to Goodfellows can be made by mailing a cheque to P.O. Box 114 Chatham ON N7M 5K1, or by e-transfer at donate@chathamgoodfellows.ca to receive an automatic receipt.
Fundraising efforts this year include Porchlight on Dec. 2, Street Sales on Dec. 13 and 14, as well as a special movie event for families at the Capitol Theatre on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Entrance for the movie is by donation of a minimum of one can of soup or box of mac and cheese per person, or $5 for a family.
Toy packing will take place Dec. 9-12 at the former Monsignor Uyen School on Lark Street in Chatham.
Food packing is to occur Dec. 18 at the Spirit and Life Centre on Wellington Street.
