This isn’t just any old edition of the Oxford Leader. It’s the Goodfellow issue.
Yes, it’s filled with all the usual coverage of local events and people.
The difference is when it’s purchased from an Oxford Lions Club member, it will help give needy folks a merrier Christmas.
Members and associates of the Oxford Lions Club will be on the street from Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 6 selling 1,000 copies of this edition, all donated by Sherman Publications, Inc.
‘The Leader’s been supporting us forever,? said Charlie Garrard, a Lions member since 1972 and past president. ‘We really appreciate your help and your support every year.?
Proceeds will be used to create Christmas baskets full of food, clothing and toys for those less fortunate.
This holiday season, the Lions will provide assistance to 44 local family units consisting of 30 children, 32 adults and 29 senior citizens.
‘We help a lot of people by doing this,? Garrard said. ‘It gives you a good feeling to help your fellow man. It gives you a feeling of satisfaction.?
There’s no set price for a copy of the Goodfellow edition. People are encouraged to donate whatever they can spare.
‘A lot of people give us one or two dollars,? Garrard said. ‘Sometimes we get an ashtray full of change . . . We try to do the best we can with what we’ve got.?
There have been instances when Lions members received $20, $50 or even $100 donations for a single newspaper. ‘People have been pretty generous,? Garrard said.
Founded in 1947, the Oxford Lions Club is small, but very active and determined. Its members consistently lend a helping hand to everyone from the visually-impaired to young people to individuals living on low or fixed incomes.
‘We’re always trying to get new members,? Garrard noted.
For more information about the Lions or how to join, call Garrard at (810) 797-5840 or Treasurer Dave Morden at (248) 628-1293 or President Ron Wood at (586) 219-6496.