Goodfellows helps kids during holidays
12/2/2008
Messenger-Inquirer
Economic woes are hitting families hard this Christmas, and those just barely making it are feeling the effects harder than ever.
This time of year is supposed to be joyous, however, and Goodfellows is carrying on in the mission of returning some of that joy to children whose families are feeling tough times.
"What Goodfellows will do is keep trying to meet the needs of the children, to keep them in school and happy in school," said Sally Wood, president of the Goodfellows board.
The club not only does a Christmas party every year where children are given toys, but also helps throughout the year with clothes and even dental care for those who cannot afford it.
And the need is evident, Wood said.
"We've already served more children this year than we did all of last year," Wood said. "I think that's all due to the economy and people needing help. With this recession, I just see poverty becoming worse."
Agencies throughout Daviess County say they are seeing more and more people in need of help.
At the HELP Office on West Fourth Street, people are coming there daily, seeking whatever assistance they can get.
"They're asking for food, for gasoline money, for clothing, for (money to pay) utilities," said Sharon Sharp, director of the HELP Office. "We're not getting as much either because people are hard pressed to make the contributions."
People who were previously just making ends meet are now in trouble because of the failing economy. Those families are no longer able to make it on their own, Sharp said.
"We have a lot of people living on the edge, and when things get tough, they become people in need," Sharp said.
The same is true at the Salvation Army on Ewing Road.
"It's just a constant request, especially for utilities and rent assistance," said Capt. Paul Gilliam, head of the local Salvation Army, explaining that families are having to choose between rent, utilities or food or other necessities. "They're making those decisions every day."
Goodfellows is at its peak time of year and asking people to step up and help make yet another holiday season special for those who would otherwise go without.
"We would ask that they (people of the community) read the roll call, follow our stories and donate, dig a little deeper in their pockets, for our cause, for the children," Wood said.
Wood said so far, Goodfellows has yet to fail in its mission of bringing Christmas to those children. The people of Owensboro are the reason why they haven't fallen behind yet.
"They've been wonderful. They always have risen to the need. It's a very compassionate community," Wood said, adding that she hopes people can keep it up for yet another year. "We're counting on them. "
Donations can be made to Goodfellows Club, Messenger-Inquirer, P.O. Box 1480, Owensboro, KY 42302; or by bringing contributions to the newspaper office at 1401 Frederica St.
Today's Roll Call
Previously reported $4,537.40
Daviess County Public Schools Central Office Soup Day for Kids $332
OMU Customer Service Center Soup Day for Kids $165
In memory of John C. Gist, Emily Helm, Ernest Head, and Elizabeth Head $100
Merry Christmas to Cindy $100
In memory of Terry Weddington, Clara and Roscoe Sublett, Rachel Brown, Mamie Jackson, Jewel Wethington and Mary Arnold $50
Edwin and Diane Stafford $25
In memory of "Little Keithy" $20
Joe and Mary Jane Clark $20
Total as of Dec. 2 $5,349.40
