Denison Lions Club

Denison Lions Club
Md 2-District 2 E 2
Texas United States

Page created at2003-12-04
and Last updated at:2009-11-09.

Denison Lions Charities, Inc
Goodfellows Project Christmas
The GOODFELLOWS Program which is now administered by the Denison Lions Club began in the 1930's when the Denison Herald newspaper acted as a clearing house to enroll needy families and pass their names along to those willing to help. The Great Depression had reduced hundreds of families to a dire need that was especially bitter at Christmas.
In 1971, the Denison Lions Club assumed full administrative responsibility for the Goodfellows Program
The accomplishments of the Goodfellows over the years cannot be estimated. Its record has been written on hundreds of beaming faces each Christmas for all the years. As many as 300 families have been aided during peak years, involving as many as 1,500 individuals, most of them children
During Christmas 2008, the Lions started registering families on December 1st and continued through December 6th. During this time, 150 families were registered and 15 more were added during the next two weeks for a total of 165 families to be served.
When other organizations adopt the families, the Denison Lions Club still helps with food and toys if necessary; however, the Lions do not provide any clothing as many of the adopting organizations do
During Christmas 2008, toys were given to children, 12 years of age and under. This included bicycles which had been repaired in the Lions' Toy Shop
The Goodfellows purchased food, and toys.
The Lions had help. To deliver the food and toys, several well-known outsiders from the community helped the Lions by their presence and by furnishing pick-ups
Without donations from the Clara Blackford and W. Aubrey Smith Foundation, the Elias and Hanna Regensberger Foundation, the W. R. Munson Foundation and the many organizations and individuals, the funding would not have been available to purchase the food and toys
Each year, the Denison Lions Club members volunteer many hours of their time, talents and funds to the Goodfellows program. Their commitment to the project has made it a success
Thanks to everyone for making the Christmas Season brighter for 245 families by showing them that "someone cares."

Tommy Boyd
Lions Club Toy Shop Chairman

Stan Keese