By DANIEL HERATY
Times-Herald Newspapers
As the holiday season got underway, Goodfellows chapters in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights did their part to make sure local needy families have something under the tree.
The Goodfellows chapters took to the streets Dec. 2 and 3 for their annual newspaper sales drive, with benefits going to provide families with toys and meals for Christmas.
In Dearborn, the Goodfellows set a goal of $50,000 for the newspaper sales, created specifically for the event. In Dearborn Heights, Goodfellows President Lee Gavin said volunteers raised about $38,000, with the largest turnout coming from the corner of Ford and Telegraph roads, where reserve officers collected about $9,700.
Dearborn Goodfellows President Larry Johnson said the organization is forecasting the funds will be used to help 1,000 families. The total amount of money raised is not known as of press time because donations trickle in as late as January. He estimates netting more than the $50,000 raised last year.
“We were up at the same point last year,” he said. “We had a good distribution of the sellers and the weather was better, which helped.”
He said about 300 families requested assistance this year as of Dec. 8, and he expects more will apply. In the past, those who have received aid have gone on to donate to help others, he said.
“Parents will not stay on hard times together,” Johnson said. “They’ll remember who helped out.”
(Daniel Heraty can be reached at [email protected].)