Goodfellows of Lee County provides a merry Christmas to local families

DIXON – The Goodfellows of Lee County is a nonprofit organization that has been providing for families in need of a “hands up” during the holidays for 112 years.

Goodfellows works with several organizations and programs, including Shop with a Cop and Shop with a Sheriff, YWCA of the Sauk Valley, Teen Turf, the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, United Way of Lee County, the Dixon PADS shelter, the Dixon Food Pantry, Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, and area schools and churches. The group helps provide gifts, food vouchers, clothing, books and more to hundreds of families during the holiday season.

Clara Harris, who spent her final day as board president Dec. 31, said families can apply for help from Goodfellows each year beginning Sept. 1 through Dec. 1.

Applications are based on family size and income. Applicants must provide proof of residence; the names of everyone living in the home; and all income sources in the past 30 days, including food stamps, child support and disability payments.

Once an application is approved, a family member visits the Goodfellows building at 704 S. Lincoln Ave. in Dixon, where a personal shopper and a bagger assist them in picking out winter clothing, socks, underwear, new and gently used outfits, and snowpants for children (if available). Children also get gifts from two toy sections, while the family receives a “family fun night” item, such as a puzzle or game to play together.

“We get our income guidelines from public aid because they change that every year,” Harris said. “If families apply by the Oct. 31 deadline, they are guaranteed either a food voucher or food from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Plus, they have the opportunity for their kiddos to be chosen by Shop with a Cop or Shopping with the Sheriff.”

The 2024 Shopping with the Sheriff event provided Christmas gifts for about 50 Lee County children from economically disadvantaged families. Kids are chosen for the program based on a list compiled by Goodfellows, along with referrals from schools, community organizations and deputies who encounter families in need during their daily duties.

Harris said Goodfellows also had 23 barrels at various locations throughout the county where people could donate gifts for children. The group also had seven giving trees that featured ribbons for girls and boys with their ages, clothing sizes and several ideas from their Christmas wishlists. Patrons can pick a ribbon from a tree, shop for their gifts and drop them off to the Goodfellows facility for distribution.

“Most of the families that come to us are people that pay their bills on time but are struggling month to month,” Harris said. “They come to us every year because they know that they can count on Christmas from Goodfellows of Lee County.”

Goodfellows will be giving away all gently used items at its facility from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8. Visitors will be brought in by groups of 20 people and have 20 minutes to pick through items.

For information, visit goodfellowsil.org or the group’s Facebook page.