Not having children of my own is one of the reasons I began volunteering for Goodfellows more than 10 years ago.
I’ve had stepchildren in the past and always cherished seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they tore into their Christmas presents.
So when I realized there were kids out there who were not having that kind of Christmas experience, I had to get involved with Goodfellows.
Seeing the happy and relieved faces of parents as they shop each year as part of the organization is priceless.
Started by Kokomo Tribune employees in 1911 and made up of volunteers, Goodfellows spends more than $100,000 annually on clothing for needy children, with the majority of donations coming from WWKI’s We Care program and individual donations.
With that in mind, I want to send a special thanks to all the people who donated this year to this Christmas-oriented fundraiser.
Money raised from donations to the Tribune from November to January totaled $10,622.68.
With the way the economy has been going, that just illustrates the generosity of our community. No matter how bad it gets, people still care and continue to donate.
Along with the $105,000 donated from We Care, Goodfellows has more than $115,000 to go toward shopping for 2013 recipients.
Thanks to all the regular donors, new donors and all the volunteers who make this fundraiser what it is today.
As I’ve reported before, Tribune employees started the fundraiser in 1911 to help make Christmas a little better for the less fortunate.
And over the years, that gift-giving tradition has grown, thanks to people like Goodfellows director and Center Township Trustee Jean Lushin, all the board members and volunteers.
We helped more than 1,500 kids this year, thanks to all the people who donated to We Care and folks like Gordon B. Riley, owner of Specialty Tool & Die, who donated $1,500; an anonymous donation of $1,000 in memory of the late L. Owen Bolinger; and to all of the regular donors who sent monetary gifts for the program to the Kokomo Tribune.
In addition, I want to thank Ned’s Corner Pub, Meijer, Martino’s, Rite Quality and Ann Wiles for donating lunches for the volunteers during the registration process, and thanks to Meijer for once again allowing us to shop in the store.
As a reminder for those in need, we will be taking applications for this year’s shopping in November. Mark it on your calender.
Mike Fletcher covers police and courts for the Kokomo Tribune. Contact him at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com.
Opinion
Fletcher: Our donors are the true ‘Goodfellows’
Thanks to all who contributed to the annual fundraiser
- Opinion
-
-
Scammers seek to profit
Ensure your money gets into the hands of Oklahoma residents who really need it.
-
Show flag etiquette
Fly your flag throughout the year -- and at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day. But when you do, please treat it with respect.
-
House of Burgess: 5 arguments against impeachment
Having lost the most recent election to Barack Obama, certain foes of the president looking for another chance at regime change have decided 2016 is too far away.
-
Would you pay extra?
If Kokomo residents truly want citywide tornado sirens, they'll gladly pay a one-time fee for them.
-
Prepared for a disaster?
Put together a disaster plan and make sure everyone in your family knows what the plan is.
-
Move over, Ind. drivers
Keep highway and utility workers safe; remember to pull over for utility vehicles.
-
May 18, 2013: Cheers & Jeers
Commissioner earns respect of inmates
Kyle Stacy sends this Cheer for Howard County Commissioner Paul Wyman:
-
House of Burgess: The revolution will be printed
Another major milestone in the history of 3D printing was reached earlier this month when Cody Wilson, director of the nonprofit Defense Distributed, announced he had conducted the first-ever successful test firing of a completely 3D-printed gun in (where else?) Texas. Wilson then uploaded the plans online. These files were then downloaded over 100,000 times over the next 48 hours. That was, until the State Department intervened.
-
Hayden: From good to great in education
On the campaign trail last year and early into his administration, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said repeatedly that his goal as governor would be to take Indiana from “good to great.”
-
Mom’s simple advice still presents a valuable challenge
Most moms don’t base their advice on scientific research. Instead, their words of wisdom come from a greater source — the heart, where they store and process life experiences. Unfortunately, some folks don’t receive the gift of maternal guidance, for various reasons.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Scammers seek to profit
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
