Family enduring difficult times turns to Goodfellows for warm clothes for their kids
Renaldo, like many parents, simply wants to see his children enjoy Christmas. However, also like many families, hardships can become an obstacle.
The Goodfellow Fund is here to help folks like Renaldo, just as they have for well over a century. This year, the Star-Telegram charity is providing $100 gift cards for Old Navy stores to help children in Tarrant County have a joyful holiday season.
To help offset the rising cost of goods, It’s an increase from the $50 in past years.
“Over the years, I have learned to deeply value the generosity and empathy of those around us, especially during difficult times,” Renaldo said. “Our family has faced significant challenges over the past few months. The rising cost of living, unexpected medical expenses, and other factors have placed a considerable burden on our shoulders.
“Winter is quickly approaching, and with it, the worry of how I will be able to provide adequate clothing and shoes that will keep my children warm and comfortable during the coldest season of the year. We know that children grow fast, and what fit them last winter no longer fits.”
Renaldo said with current prices, he simply cannot afford to purchase everything his children need.
“Receiving help in the form of clothing and shoes would mean much more than financial relief to our family,” he said. “It would be a tangible reminder that we are not alone, that there are people in our community who care about our well-being and who are willing to lend a hand when we need it most.”
He added that not only would such help fill a basic need, but also fill their hearts with gratitude and hope. After all, the holidays are a time of reflection and celebration, a time of giving and receiving.
“As a parent, I have always wanted my children to experience the joy and magic of Christmas. I want them to remember this holiday season,” he said.
About the Goodfellow Fund
The story on the Goodfellow website describes its beginning as an offshoot of the first newspaper charity drive in the United States, started by the Chicago Tribune on Dec. 10, 1909. A Chicago city attorney wrote a letter challenging his friends to donate the money they would have spent on holiday partying to charity.
A couple years later, the Advertising Club of Fort Worth staged the first local Goodfellow campaign. On the day after Thanksgiving in 1912, Publisher Amon G. Carter brought the tradition to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
To find out more, or to learn more about helping, visit goodfellowfundfw.com. The post office box for donations and correspondence is P.O. Box 149, Fort Worth, TX. 76101.
New and additional donors are welcome and needed to help cover the cost of doubling the gift card amount.
This story was originally published November 29, 2024 at 6:00 AM.