Other Giving Programs
While the Goodfellows primary mission is the purchase of merchandise and the distribution of holiday gift packages, several other programs have been developed to serve the children of our community. These programs enhance the quality of life of our area's young people in a variety of significant ways.

Dental Program
Over $10,000 in funds is committed each year to provide emergency dental care to kids who cannot afford it. Thanks to the efforts of students and faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy, this program is a great success.   Thanks to the generosity of the Michigan Dental Foundation, the Goodfellows are also able to provide 30,000 dental kits for each holiday gift package.  These kits include a toothbrush, toothpaste and a bookmark about dental care.  The items are packaged in an attractive pouch that can be used as a pencil case.

Shoe Program
This exemplary program provides shoes for children who cannot afford proper footwear. These children are identified through the Detroit Public Schools Attendance Offices. They are then presented with vouchers for a complimentary pair of shoes at any Detroit area Mr. Alan's stores. Mr. Alan's fits the child with the right pair of shoes and then turns the costs over to the Goodfellows.  

Camperships
Summer 2008. This year the Detroit Goodfellows awarded $55,000 in gratnts to 10 groups offering summer camps to kids in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. The Campership Committee reviews proposals for various day and overnight camps in southeastern Michigan. The committee then makes a contribution to a specific camp so they can provide young people with an opportunity to experience the joys of nature. Some programs funded by the Goodfellows in the past include the Detroit Police Department's "Explorers," the Detroit Fire Department Camp and a summer computer program called the Community Technology Center.

Scholarship Program
The Detroit Goodfellows spend $10,000 a year for students to attend the School of Journalism at Wayne State University in Detroit.  The scholarships are named the Goodfellows Mike McCormick Scholarship in honor of the late Detroit News editor Mike McCormick who was a member and avid supporter of the Detroit Goodfellows.  McCormick was also responsible for editing and coordinating the annual Goodfellows Sales Day newspaper.