Hundreds of local children woke up to find presents under the tree on Christmas thanks to the Chatham Goodfellows and the community’s generosity.
More than 1,600 families and 1,300 children received food and toys over the holidays as part of this year’s Chatham Goodfellows’ No Child Without a Christmas Campaign.
As well, the local Goodfellows chapter said over $205,514.39 was raised throughout the 68th annual fundraising campaign, which was used to purchase toys, food, and certificates for boots and shoes.
“The care and generosity of local corporations, large and small businesses, service clubs, churches and citizens of Chatham-Kent continue to humble the Chatham Goodfellows Board of Directors,” the organization said in a news release.
Thanks to the generosity of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, volunteers were able to utilize the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic School in Chatham to pack toys for delivery.
The No Child Without a Christmas Campaign began in early November with toy delivery taking place on December 19. Food packing and delivery took place at the Spirit and Life Centre on December 20.