The Chatham Goodfellows organization is expecting a busy holiday season.
Registration began online on November 1, and just over a day later 300 families had applied.
“That shows what kind of year we’re going to have,” said Goodfellow president Craig Williston at their annual dinner meeting held on Thursday night.
Williston said he expects this year to see a 30% increase in families who will need support from the Chatham Goodfellows 69th annual No Child Without a Christmas campaign, which provides food and toys for families in need.
“Just due to the local economy, rising interest rates and the inflation rate. We are just hoping for the best.”
In 2022, more than 1,600 families and 1,300 children received food and toys over the holidays thanks to the generosity of local residents and the work of Goodfellows volunteers.
At the Goodfellows dinner meeting, the charity organization handed out its annual certificates of appreciation and announced its annual Mr. Goodfellow—Matt Mitchell, and its Mrs. Goodfellow—Donna Jean Pardoe.
Key dates
Porchlight campaign December 4
Street sales December 15-16
Toy packing nights December 11-14
Toy delivery December 18
Food packing and delivery December 19