As fate would have it, during the holiday season of 1916, Lawrence Hager a young editor for the Owensboro Inquirer would find himself embarking on more than just another news story. Having been assigned an article about the “Charity Girls” and their annual sponsorship of Christmas Parties for needy children within the city, Hager would learn that the group planned to disband. Rather than see the yearly event cease to exist, he took it upon himself to carry out the tradition from that point on. Hager believed that “no child should be forgotten at Christmas” and that mantra still rings true today, some 100 years later.
The Goodfellows Club, which initially began during the holiday season, now meets the needs of children within Daviess County all year long.
“When folks donate, every last dollar goes directly to the children of Daviess County,” said Public Relations Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools, Lora Wimsatt. “That’s a testament of the longevity of this organization; these children have needs met year round not just during traditional seasons of giving.”
A unique partnership with area schools, both within the Daviess County district and Owensboro City, enables the Goodfellows Club to reach the needs of hundreds of youths annually. Family Resource and Youth Service Center coordinators within each school work closely with the organization through a referral process which discreetly identifies children in need. Accommodations ranging from school supplies to hygiene products are administered depending on the individual need of each child Goodfellows serves.
Student Services Coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools, Scott Taylor, points to a box within his office, and elaborates on the importance of the contents held inside.
“I keep this box close by as a reminder,” Taylor said. “Inside are cards, notes of thanks, and referrals that Goodfellows have sponsored.”
Taylor, who also serves as a board member and secretary of the Goodfellows Club, is passionate about the cause.
“These small cards are more than just names,” Taylor said. “They represent a life that has been changed. FRYSC coordinators work diligently to build a relationship with these children, and invest in them.”
Children throughout Daviess County benefit routinely from such selfless giving. Taylor noted that folks are often waiting in the wings to donate, volunteer and contribute any way possible to ensure children throughout the community thrive.
“Goodfellows clothing program is such a blessing to West Louisville Elementary and our students,” said Family Resource Advocate, Monica Taylor. “This year they have clothed almost 56 children at WLES alone. Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces when they wear their new clothing to school always makes my day! We could not help these children without the aid of Goodfellows.”
There are multiple opportunities throughout the year to become a “goodfellow” and contribute. Each summer an annual tennis tournament is held benefiting the non-profit, as well as the Messenger-Inquirer’s annual Roll Call beginning this month.
Soup Days for Kids are held each fall, beginning in October and running through December, and allow local vendors to showcase delicious soups and sandwiches. Money raised from orders, available for pick up at the Settle Memorial annex building, collectively all goes to the Goodfellows program. The next scheduled Soup Day for Kids is set for Tuesday, Nov. 13.
This December, Goodfellows will sponsor it’s annual Christmas Party at the Owensboro Sportsplex.
Just as in 1916, the legacy continues. As long as there are “goodfellows” willing to serve, “no child will be forgotten.”
For more information on contributing and doing your part with the Goodfellows Club, visit goodfellowsclubofowensboro.org.
