The Goodfellows are back again this year, distributing goodwill and newspapers.
For 41 years, the Goodfellows from Station #3 in Gingellville have been selling copies of local newspapers on the first Saturday of December to raise money for area residents in need.
Fire Capt. Rich Hansen said the entire team at Station 3 looks forward to taking part in the effort.
‘It’s all hands on deck for this,? Hansen said. ‘Everyone helps out. We all get satisfaction out of knowing we can help our neighbors.?
On Dec. 6, fire fighters from the station will be set up throughout the area seeking donations through the distribution of papers.
Collection cans will also be placed at various locations in the community for residents to make donations.
‘This money will be used specifically for local people,? said Hansen. ‘We provide food baskets, winter coats and toys for children. In some cases, we’ll help families pay their utility bills if we find out that is the greater need.?
Throughout the year, the Goodfellows receive calls from various organizations (such as local churches) and neighbors who have friends in need. Most of the calls come anonymously asking if there’s any way for the Goofellows to be of assistance.
‘We’ll then call and ask if there’s anything we can do to help,? said Eric Carpenter, a volunteer with Station #3. ‘We’re not trying to hurt anybody’s pride.?
Carpenter said many of the residents they help will then give back when they are able to.
‘One guy gave me $20 for a copy of the newspaper because the Goodfellows had helped him out once,? he noted.
The Goodfellows from Station #3 also canvas local businesses and sponsor Santa’s annual visit to the Keatington area shortly following the newspaper drive.
Station #3 volunteer Bob Hudak said that even in these uncertain economic times, our local businesses are still willing to help out, whether it be with cash or goods and services.
The fire fighters say they look forward all year to Christmas Eve, when all of their hard work comes to fruition.
‘We make the deliveries to the families ourselves,? Hansen said. ‘We raise the money. Then we all get together to assemble the baskets, wrap the gifts and deliver them.?
‘This is very meaningful to all of us,? he added. ‘Fire fighters are community-minded. We’re not only firefighters, we’re Scout leaders, coaches and generally involved in the community in one way or another.?
Hansen said that for the fire fighters of Station #3, serving the community is more than a tradition — it’s a responsibility.
He and his fellow fire fighters ask that anyone who can afford to make a donation this year, please do so.
‘Any size donation is appreciated for the special editions of The Lake Orion Review,? he said.
Firefighters at Station #3 cover the Gingellville area along the Baldwin Road corridor, from Brown Road to Stanton Road, and east to Joslyn Road.
For more informaiton or to place a donation, contact the Goodfellows at 248-693-9701.
~~Review Staff