Detroit Goodfellows

No Kiddie Without a Christmas.

Help support this 111-year-old Detroit charity with a simple, but powerful mission.
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Making Sure No Child Is Forgotten

The Old Newsboys’ Goodfellow Fund of Detroit was founded in 1914 by James J. Brady. Each holiday season, we distribute gift boxes to kids ages 4–13 living in Detroit, Highland Park, Redford, River Rouge, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and Ecorse.

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We’re More Than Just Holiday Magic

The Detroit Goodfellows help area children throughout the year with these important programs.

 

Dental Program

In partnership with the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, the Detroit Goodfellows provide funding for children who can’t afford emergency and/or routine dental care. Each Detroit Goodfellows box also contains a dental kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and more. Many thanks to our generous partners: Delta Dental Foundation, Quantum Labs, Patterson Dental Supply, Henry Schein Dental Supply, Benco Dental Supply, Midway Dental Supply and the Detroit District Dental Society.

Camperships

The Detroit Goodfellows Campership Committee reviews various day and overnight camps in southeastern Michigan and then contributes to a specific camp so they can provide young people with an outdoor experience. Some programs funded by the Detroit Goodfellows in the past include the Detroit Police Department’s “Explorers,” the Detroit Fire Department Camp, Summer Jam and the Youth Turn program.

Shoe Program

The Detroit Goodfellows knows how important it is to have a proper pair of shoes, especially in the wintertime. In 2023 we will distribute shoes during our holiday gift box distribution. These shoes come in a variety of youth sizes and are handed out on a first come first serve basis. We appreciate our partner the Blue Goose – which helps to provide funding to purchase the shoes.

Scholarship Program

Each year, the Detroit Goodfellows spend up to $5,000 each year for two students to attend the School of Journalism at Wayne State University. The scholarship program is named “The Detroit Goodfellows Mike McCormick Scholarship” in honor of the late Detroit News editor Mike McCormick, a Goodfellows member and avid supporter.

How You Can Help

MEMBERSHIP

The Detroit Goodfellows could not do our important work on behalf of our community’s children without our members and their dedicated involvement. Many of this diverse group received packages as a child.
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VOLUNTEER

There are many ways you can make children know they’re not forgotten both at the holiday and throughout the year. See how you can help the Detroit Goodfellows make a difference.
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DOLL DRESSERS

Beautiful and imaginatively dressed dolls are included in our holiday gift boxes given to girls aged 4–9. Volunteers have creatively dressed the dolls for deserving young girls for generations, and we’re always looking for new volunteers. Stay tuned for details. LEARN MORE
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Thanks to Our Partners