FeedsEconomy increases demands on charities
As the holiday season gets under way, many of us take time to reflect on the things we’re fortunate to have.
Many others take time to reflect on the things that others would be thankful for and have risen up to meet a growing need.
“As a result of the prolonged downturn in our economy, demand for The Salvation Army’s services has risen 60 percent in the last year,” said Major John Turner, general secretary for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. “Donating to The Salvation Army is one of the best ways to help our neighbors in need as .83 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to fund programs that change lives.”
The Salvation Army is one of the more prominent organizations seeking to help the needy during the holidays-and beyond-but there are plenty others, too.
The need is out there
Today will begin the annual newspaper sales of The Goodfellows in Belleville and Van Buren, a group that has been helping the less fortunate for decades.
While the Goodfellows began as a group of former newsboys and newspaper employees, it has now expanded to include volunteers from all professions-but the mainstay of their funding will come from the sale on the street of the annual Goodfellows newspaper.
This year, Pam Fleming, who has coordinated the Goodfellows’ efforts in Belleville and Van Buren for several years, expects to exceed the demand the group saw for help a year ago.
“We helped 128 families last year. This year, I expect we will have 150 or more who need help,” Fleming said.
Each year, the Goodfellows organization donates non-perishable food items and paper products, along with toys for children to needy families during the holidays. Fleming said it is obviously the economy and job market impacting on residents and increasing the need for help. The group started earlier than usual this year, early in November, Fleming said, sending out letters seeking donations and beginning canned food drives throughout the area and in local schools.
“I’ve been getting calls about it for the last month or so, averaging about 10 a day,” she said. “With the way the economy is, I’m sure we’ll have more requests for help than last year. There’s been so many layoffs, we know there will be many people in need.”
Capt. Ken Brooks of the Van Buren Township Public Safety Department and co-chair of the Goodfellows said he, too, expects the need to be at a record high because of the economy and unemployment.
“Giving will probably be less too because of that, but the need is still there and greater,” he said.
It’s a pretty common refrain. In the City of Wayne, the Goodfellows are looking to new venues to meet their goal. They helped 300 families last year and will have at least as many this year, said Cathy Lutenkoff, treasurer of the Wayne Goodfellows.
“I think we’re just getting different people,” she said. “We’re getting a lot of people that say ‘I’ve never done this before.’ The economy is forcing people to come down here.”
Applications are available at the Wayne Fire Department.
There will be three Goodfellows parties in Wayne this year, the first hosted by city employees that will take place at the Wayne Community Center on Dec. 3. It’s a change of venue from Jake’s Again, which hosted the party in years past.
Lutenkoff said the employees wanted a larger, more smoke-free environment that would appeal to more families.
“We’re going to give it a try and see how it goes,” she said.
Jake’s will host a Goodfellows party on Dec. 10 and U.S. 12 will host one on Dec. 12.
New strategies
The Westland Goodfellows will not be selling newspapers, the traditional fundraiser for the organization this year, but will depend on raising funds “through other means.”
Those in Westland who need help must complete an application and return it to the Dorsey Center before 3 p.m. Dec. 4. Applications are available at Westland City Hall, the Westland Chamber of Commerce office and at the Dorsey Center, 32715 Dorsey in Westland.
This year, rather than the traditional basket or boxes of toys and food, the Westland Goodfellows will be distributing vouchers to those who have applied. Those whose names begin with the letters A through M can pick up their vouchers from noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Senior Resource Center on Newburgh Road. Those whose names begin with N through Z can pick up their vouchers from 3 until 6 p.m.
Applicants must bring their identification to receive a voucher.
Last year, the organization was able to help 288 families and more than 700 children to ensure their goal of ‘No Child Without A Christmas’ is reached in their city.
Information is available at (734) 480-4999.
In the City of Plymouth, the Goodfellows will again be out selling papers, according to club spokesperson Penny Irwin. They’ve moved out of the streets and onto sidewalks for the sale, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 5. The Plymouth Goodfellows get most of their money-and many of their volunteers-through a mass mailing that hits every house in the city and township, an effort they started several years ago.
“It’s done pretty well in the past,” she said. “People have been pretty receptive to it.”
In Canton, the Goodfellows are trying new things, too. On Dec. 2, The Goodfellows will benefit from a ‘Passion for Fashion’ event that will take place at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill. The event starts at 7 p.m. and features raffles, a fashion show, music and more.
“We still have over 400 children that we need to get adopted by the end of the month,” said Marion Rozum, a member of the Goodfellows. She asked that anyone who wanted to help email club president Nancy Spencer at johnancysp@aol.com.
“This does not have to be a huge financial commitment,” she said. “The Goodfellows will add to your donation if needed.”
A fine kettle
The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign is under way across the country, and Capt. Joanna Rose at the Westland facility is hoping people will contribute generously this year.
“We have a generous community with great concern for the needy,” she said, “but as the need goes up, unfortunately, contributions go down. That’s because that many of those who gave generously in the past can no longer do so or may now need assistance themselves. It’s sad, but it is the situation we are all in right now.
“I can only hope those who have plenty will try to give a little more generously to make up for so many who simply can’t this year,” she added.
The Red Kettle contributions fund the year round Salvation Army programs, including the utilities and rent assistance and aid to the homeless along with the year-long feeding program, she said.
“I encourage people to donate to the Red Kettles, it provides our entire year budget,” Rose said.
The holiday season brings even more people who need aid to the local Salvation Army facilities. This year, Rose said, on the first day applications for holiday aid were being accepted in Westland, they had a waiting room full of people and a line that went out the door and along the building.
“The need was great,” she said.” We had more than 100 families on just the first day.
“We will have about a thousand families this year. Last year, we helped about 700-with the children, that was about 2,000 people.”
Programs for the holidays include an Adopt A Family program which will pair a donor with a family in the area. The donor buys the gifts, for both children and parents and sometimes food, for the holiday.
“They can sign up for that program by phoning us here at (734) 722-3660 ext. 107. They will reach our social worker, Robin Clarke,” Rose said.
The Salvation Army also has an Angel Tree at Westland Mall and at other locations in the area. Donors agree to buy the gift that is detailed on the angel and then take it to the Salvation Army facility.
“Then on distribution day, the parents can come in to a shop we set up and choose gifts for their families,” Rose said.
There are also numerous collection sites throughout the entire community for canned foods and toiletries.
Obviously, the organization always accepts cash and even perishable food items at the 2300 Venoy Road building.
“We’re always happy for any contribution,” Rose said. The Plymouth Salvation Army building is located at 9451 S. Main in Plymouth and can be reached at (734) 453-5464.
Fine feeling
Some Goodfellows groups provide food and toy baskets, others now use gift cards from Kmart-purchased at a discount-and food letters from Kroger’s.
Either way, bringing holiday joy is special feeling.
“I’ve been at this for about 26 years now,” said Brooks. “A lot of people cry, some people can’t believe we’re doing this and some couldn’t have a Christmas without the Goodfellows.
“There are always one or two families that really tug on the heartstrings and it makes it all worthwhile,” he added.
