Goodfellows to Hit the Road to Help Families in St. Clair Shores

Quite a few Goodfellows and "goodgals" will take to the streets of St. Clair Shores Saturday to make sure there is "No family without a Christmas" this year.

From before sunrise, to after sunset, a team of volunteers will be selling newspapers to raise money for clothes, toys and food for families in need this holiday season.

"We have no paid staff," said Mike Koch, president of the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows. "Every dollar we collect goes back to the local community."

Goodfellows, and volunteers from across the city, will sell newspapers from 6 am. to 6 p.m. Saturday throughout the city. The sale will be conducted rain, snow or sunshine, with volunteers meeting at the central fire station on Harper to receive a safety vest, newspapers and assignments.

After their shifts, the volunteers return to the station provided by the members of the fire department.

In addition to accepting volunteers, the Goodfellows are also seeking families in need in St. Clair Shores. Families can call (586) 980-0400 to schedule an appointment with the Goodfellows.

The Christmas baskets will be delivered to families on Christmas Eve.

Koch said the Goodfellows need to know who the families in need are in the community, and for residents to help their mission.

"All you have to do is dress for the weather," Koch said of those who volunteer. And if you can't volunteer, Koch asks residents to "donate."

Last year, local Scouts joined the Goodfellows to deliver 135 baskets to families throughout the city.

In addition to helping the Goodfellows this Saturday, Patch.com has launched an online food drive, with all of its 30 Michigan sites participating. Patch is partnering with Gleaners Community Food Bank in this virtual food drive, and the goal is to raise $10,000 by Nov. 25 to help feed local families.

Shop Gleaners' virtual grocery shelves. Click to get started!

Follow progress of Patch's fight against hunger. Click to watch donations grow!