In the hustle and bustle of the 1966 holiday season, the Sterling Heights Goodfellows came together to ensure that no child went without a Christmas. Their mission? To bring joy, comfort, and hope to over 300 families who had faced hardships such as accidents, fires, or illnesses throughout the year.
Imagine it: The town buzzing as volunteers sell special editions of The Detroit News to raise funds. Letters requesting donations were sent far and wide to local businesses and programs. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts joined the effort, sorting and packing. The fire station on Van Dyke served as the center of it all, where piles of clothing, toys, and food slowly transformed into carefully prepared Christmas boxes.
Each box told a story. A little girl’s package might include a warm dress, a pair of boots, a sweater, and a doll. A boy’s box could contain slacks, gloves, and a sturdy pair of shoes. And every box had more than just material goods, it carried the collective love of an entire community.
Food baskets were another highlight of this effort. Even schoolchildren pitched in, collecting canned goods and non-perishable items for food baskets. Packed to the brim with everything a family would need for a festive Christmas feast: turkey or chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, pie fillings, and even cranberry sauce. Volunteers thought of everything, down to the salad ingredients, to make sure these families felt truly cared for.
One story stands out: A woman, once a recipient of the Goodfellows’ kindness after her home was destroyed by fire, returned years later with a $50 donation to pay it forward. Her gratitude, like so many others, showed how a single act of kindness could ripple through the community.
This massive effort was made possible by a team of leaders and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Leaders like James Parker, Russell Weber, and John Swiantowski coordinated everything, while local businesses like Shoppers Fair pitched in with generous discounts to make the vision a reality. It was a true community-wide effort, where everyone, from city officials to schoolchildren, played a part.
This story of the Sterling Heights Goodfellows reminds us of the power of community and the incredible things we can accomplish when we come together with compassion and determination. As we step into 2025, let’s carry this spirit forward, finding ways to support and uplift those around us.