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.
Shoe Program
This exemplary program provides shoes for children who cannot afford proper footwear. These children are identified through the Attendance and Administrative Offices in the school districts with which we work. They are then presented with vouchers for a complimentary pair of shoes and the costs are turned over to the Goodfellows.
Dental Program
This program provides emergency and routine dental care to children who cannot afford it. Thanks to the efforts of students and faculty at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, this program has been a great collaboration for over 35 years. Currently the Goodfellows provide funding to assist with the “Seal a Smile” school based sealant clinic for kids four through 13 and the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic which provides an eight chair clinic at on site locations (mostly in public schools).
Further each Goodfellow package contains a dental kit which includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, bookmark about dental care and a brushing timer or floss. All of these items are packaged in an attractive zipped pouch which can also serve as a pencil case. The kits are provided through the generosity of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Delta Dental Foundation, Quantum Labs, Patterson Dental Supply, Henry Schein Dental Supply, Benco Dental Supply, Midway Dental Supply and the Detroit District Dental Society. All these items are contained in an attractive zipped pouch that can also be used as a pencil case.
Camperships
In the summer of 2019 we committed $39,000 in grants to summer camps for 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 Detroit Goodfellows in the past include the Detroit Police Department’s “Explorers”, the Detroit Fire Department Camp, Summer Jam and the Youth Turn program.
Scholarship Program
The Detroit Goodfellows spend up to $5,000 each year for two students to attend the School of Journalism at Wayne State University in Detroit. The scholarship program is named “The Detroit 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 Detroit Goodfellows Sales Day newspaper.