Goodfellows
2015 Huron Township Goodfellow Volunteers:
For the last 20 years the Huron Township Goodfellows has been able to, by the involvement of the community and the Huron Township Rotary, come to the aid of those in need in our community during the holidays. What a great feeling to actually see the numbers drop in the need for assistance this year. Although we’re always ready for action if the need comes along, 24/7, 365 days a year. No family requesting assistance is turned away and this year we were blessed to be able to assist families in need that stopped by and reluctantly requested our help. It’s all about helping these families. That’s what drives the Huron Township Goodfellows, Huron Township Rotary and the hundreds of volunteers to get involved with the program, which is the heart soul and core to this organization. There are many families that look to us to make their holiday a day filled with love and joy knowing someone does care.
The Huron Township Rotary, Fire Department, Police Department, Police Explorers, Police Mounted Unit, Outdoor Challenge, Detroit Intermodal, CERT and many others behind the scenes volunteers mans a corner during the annual Goodfellows paper sale fundraiser. Information about the Goodfellows and other projects involving the Rotary Club are among the featured stories in this annual paper. The papers are custom printed with photos and articles about the events around the township.
We strive to make sure there is "No Child Without a Christmas" in the community. In 2014 we were so blessed with and abundance of donations both food and toys that we were able to reach into other communities to help as special needs arose.
This year Goodfellows provided Christmas cheer to 145 families. Each family received 2 to 3 age-appropriate toys for the children in the household, as well as a food basket customized to their family size, a gift certificate to VJ’s Country Pantry for perishable items, a turkey, potatoes and apples donated by Apple Charlies. Seniors in need received a food basket, clementines, a blanket and a ham donated by a group of men who felt the need to help. Hats and gloves, stocking suffers toys and books were among the many items distributed to the families. It truly is a spectacle and it’s amazing to see everyone come together.
The Goodfellows is coordinated by Helena Lilly, Terri Riopelle and Pam Stano, yet it’s the entire community that bands together each year to help those in need. Every Goodfellows group across the country runs a “No child Without a Christmas” campaign, although we make sure needy children have eyeglasses, coats and anything else within our power to give.
Special recognition has to go to:
Huron School District, the students and staff of, Brown Elementary, Miller Elementary, Renton Jr. High, Huron High School, Apple Charlies, Wiley’s “coffee house guys” for the donating hams, VJ's Country Pantry, Cub Scout pack 812, Huron's Outdoor Challenge Club, Schwartz Greenhouse Inc., Huron Township DDA, Marvaso's Greenhouse, Universal Container Co., Willowood Acres Veterinary Clinic, Hennessey Engineers Inc., Chapp & Bushey Oil Co., Set Enterprises, Waltz Green Acres Sod Farms, Detroit Intermodal, Waste Management Co., Meijer-Woodhaven, Walmart-Woodhaven, Bill Wiley's Coyote Grill, Karen's Place Salon, Huron Turkey Farm, D'Angelos Pizza, Huron Fire Dept., Huron Police Dept., Willow United Methodist Church, Huron Sportsmans Club, Huron Market, AJF, Haggerty Logistics, Brose New Boston Inc. and to those who wish to remain anonymous.
Special thanks to:
All the many, many volunteers, both community and Rotary members, so many more that I cannot list.
Thanks for everything, and God Bless you.
If you need help, know of a family that needs help or would like to volunteer contact either Helena Lilly 734-753-4320, Pam Stano 734-955-9510 or Terri Riopelle 734-753-3523.
We are Goodfellows all year long.
Huron Township Goodfellows
PO Box 289
New Boston, MI 48164