Season of giving: Goodfellows needs you

Blink, and the holidays will be upon us.

For many, the Christmas holidays are the most joyous of the year with a more informal workplace, good food, nice gifts, music everybody knows and toys for the children.

Families spend quality time together.

But the joyous season, for others, only intensifies the pain. That's especially true for families that can't afford food or scrape together enough to put something under the tree to light up young faces.

That's where Goodfellows makes a difference. The charitable endeavor organized by The News-Star and the city of Monroe has, for more than 100 years, helped people having hard times enjoy a brighter holiday.

The campaign — started in 1914 — is underway again with the goal of raising $80,000 to help 1,200 families. We encourage people in need to seek help Goodfellows can provide and those who can help others to lend a helping hand.

Goodfellows provides recipients with enough food for several weeks along with items for a Christmas dinner and a gift card to help with expenses.

And the annual campaign has worked for nearly a century because of the generosity our the community. Each year, our people come through to help our people. Let's continue that effort.

Monroe - Goodfellows donation - Formstack

Donations and requests for help may be sent to: Goodfellows, c/o The News-Star, 411 N. Fourth St., Monroe, La. 71201. Requests are accepted only by mail.

Donations also are accepted at The News-Star offices during business hours Monday through Friday, and online at www.thenewsstar.com. Click on Goodfellows on the left of the home page. The last day to submit requests for assistance is Nov. 23. Donations, however, are accepted throughout the year.

All donations are acknowledged on the front page of The News-Star and digitally on our website.

We appreciate everyone who helps make Goodfellows work through help and donations. The success of the holiday charity demonstrates the true spirit of the people in our community.

The editorials in this column represent the opinions of The News-Star’s editorial board, composed of General Manager and Executive Editor Kathy Spurlock, Engagement and Community Content Editor Hope Young, Watchdog and Storytelling Coach Mark Henderson and Politics Reporter Greg Hilburn.