Description
The 35,000 packages produced for Christmas 2014 will be distributed to kids aged four through 13 in Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and River Rouge . Each package will contain warm clothing, toys, books, candy, school supplies and games. Each child also will also receive a dental kit including toothbrush, toothpaste, a brushing timer and a bookmark about dental care. Girls ages four through 9 also receive a beautifully dressed doll (10,000 will be distributed this year).
The Goodfellows also sponsor a shoe program to provide shoes for kids who need them. These children receive vouchers for a complimentary pair of shoes at any Detroit area Mr. Alan’s Stores. Mr. Alan’s fits the child with the right pair of shoes and then turns the costs over to the Goodfellows.
The Goodfellows also sponsor a dental program whereby emergency dental care is provided to kids who cannot afford it. This program is available through the efforts of the students and faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School.
In the summer of 2014 the Goodfellows will provide funding for summer camp scholarships for children. The Campership Committee reviews proposals for various day and overnight camps in southeastern Michigan. The committee then makes a contribution to a specific camp so they can provide young people with an opportunity to experience the joys of nature. Some programs funded in the past include the Detroit Police Department’s "Explorers" and the Detroit Fire Department’s summer youth program.
The Goodfellows also sponsor the Goodfellows Mike McCormick Scholarship Program at Wayne State University’s School of Journalism. This program, which started in 1998, provides full tuition, room and board funding for students who are graduates of Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck Public Schools. The Detroit Goodfellows have graduated 10 students from the program.
